Kids
Nickelodeon greenlights first new global series to be produced in Viacom’s Miami studio
MUMBAI: Nickelodeon has announced the first series that will be produced in the new state of the art Viacom International Studios in Miami. The studio, which boasts two 15,000 sq. foot stages and was completed in late 2015, will serve as a multiplatform production hub for all of Viacom’s brands.
I Am Frankie, originally produced as Yo Soy Franky by Nickelodeon Latin America in Colombia was created by Argentine writer Marcela Citterio. The English language version, I Am Frankie, is now being adapted for global audiences by Catharina Ledeboer, who has written multiple Nickelodeon hits, including most recently Every Witch Way, which completed four seasons and Talia in the Kitchen.
I Am Frankie, is the story of Frankie – an experimental android who navigates the perils and wonders of being a teenager.
Already in development, production on I Am Frankie will begin in the second half of 2016. Nickelodeon has ordered 20 x 30 minute episodes, which will be distributed to Nickelodeon’s global audiences spanning 160 countries and territories via the brand’s more than 80 channels and branded blocks.
Viacom’s Kids and Family Group president Cyma Zarghami said, “Miami has been a content hub for Nickelodeon for some time, creating global hits such as Every Witch Way, among others. Our talented team in Miami is truly expert at the daily serialized format – and continues to innovate their approach to both content and platforms. I Am Frankie is a fresh and different format and has incredibly talented team behind it.”
Viacom International Media Networks, Americas president Pierluigi Gazzolo added, “Viacom’s commitment to top quality productions is greater than ever before – as audiences continue to demand more and more content. I am delighted that this innovative new show is among the first to be produced in this new turnkey facility.”
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.
