Kids
Nat Geo Kids appoints Vermeulen as head of sales
MUMBAI: National Geographic Television International (NGTI) has appointed Karen Vermeulen as its first dedicated kids sales person. Vermeulen will be based in London in the new role of head of kids’ sales but will also work closely with National Geographic Kids‘ programming and production president Donna Friedman Meir – along with her US-based team – to drive the development of this growing area of National Geographic’s business. |
Vermeulen joins from Entertainment Rights where she was territory manager UK, Ireland and German-speaking Europe, responsible for maximising TV, new media and DVD sales for a range of properties including Postman Pat, Basil Brush, Little Red Tractor and Barbie. In addition, she managed the strategic rollout of licensing and merchandising for core brands in Germany. At National Geographic, Vermeulen will build on this experience, undertaking the key sales role for National Geographic Kids’ programming, but she will also have responsibility for managing the growing stable of brand franchises and developing properties for maximum benefit. Current programmes in production from National Geographic Kids include Mama Mirabelle‘s Home Movies, a mix of animation and live-action wildlife footage for preschoolers, produced in partnership with King Rollo Films; Iggy Aruckle, an animated comedy adventure for kids 6 – 11, produced with Blueprint Entertainment; Toot & Puddle: I‘ll Be Home For Christmas based on the award-winning book by Holly Hobbie and being animated by Grand Slamm Children’s Films; and the first global reality adventure series for little kids, Are We There Yet?, produced in partnership with Cellar Door and Sinking Ship Productions. Friedman Meir said, “We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the team and to have someone in London who can work more closely with our European partners on a regular basis. She brings a wealth of very valuable experience to our developing business and has a real feel for integrated property management. She joins National Geographic at a pivotal time; in addition to those shows already in production we have a large number of unique and outstanding properties in development, targeting pre-schoolers, school-age kids and tweens with our hallmark approach – entertaining programmes that excite kids to explore their world.” NGTI president Ian Jones added, “The addition of Karen to our team, along with the kids programming to the NGTI catalogue, marks a new era for our business and a natural extension for our brand. Donna and her team in the US have already done a fantastic job in establishing National Geographic as a player in the kids market, particularly in Europe, and I have every confidence that Karen is the ideal person to consolidate and build on that activity going forward.” |
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!
