Kids
Viacom signs deal with pocket.watch for small screen content
MUMBAI: Kids’ entertainment platform pocket.watch has raised $15 million in a funding round led by Viacom. Under their agreement, Viacom and pocket.watch will develop and produce long and short form content. Viacom will also become the exclusive third-party agent for ad sales on pocket.watch’s YouTube and creator footprint, which the media plans to package Nickelodeon inventory.
The two companies have already teamed up to develop sketch comedy show Skoogle, created by and starring Kenan Thompson, for Nickelodeon. They are also working on a variety of talent initiatives, including jointly identifying up-and-coming talent and creators where the companies are aligned to generate 360-degree talent partnerships. The creator partners of pocket.watch will also be invited to a variety of Viacom events such as the Kids Choice Awards.
Viacom’s Paramount Players has purchased a pitch from pocket.watch for a feature film known as The Unboxing Movie. The companies have further formalised a process for collaborative development and expect to work together on a number of content projects over the coming year.
“Pocket.watch’s unique and comprehensive approach to celebrating the new digital stars of today makes them an outstanding partner for Nickelodeon and our unmatched connections with kids around the world through video, digital and real-world events. It’s great to be in business with them and we are excited to be expanding our relationship with such an innovative new media brand,” said Viacom Media Networks COO Sarah Levy.
Launched in March 2017, pocket.watch has amassed a number of deals to bring its brand to consumers globally while growing its original intellectual property and creator partner brands, including Ryan Toys Review, the largest YouTube channel based in the US. The platform has raised $21 million since its launch and it gets over one billion monthly views across twenty YouTube channels, with a combined subscriber base of over 34 million.
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!
