Kids
Nick in deal with ‘Zoey 101’ star Victoria Justice
MUMBAI: kids broadcaster Nickelodeon has signed 15 year-old actress Victoria Justice Zoey 101 to an overall talent and music deal. The announcement was made by Nick executive vice-president, talent Paula Kaplan.
As part of the new pact, Nickelodeon, in partnership with Sony BMG Music Entertainment, is developing a comedy series as a starring vehicle for Justice. Created and helmed by tween hitmaker Dan Schneider the new project will be set in a modern day school for the performing arts and feature original music. The network has also tapped the former Zoey 101 star for a co-starring role in the upcoming Nickelodeon original television movie Spectacular!, a story set in the competitive world of show choirs.
Kaplan says, “Victoria is a rare kind of actress. She’s beautiful, yet takes a fearless approach to acting. Kids loved her on Zoey 101 because she could boldly take a pie in the face or just as easily tackle a dramatic scene. It is this versatility combined with her musical talent and real-girl qualities that make her someone we are excited about”
Columbia Records senior VP Jay Landers says, “Victoria is the real deal. Besides her acting skills which are already well-known to her fans, she has a terrific recording voice. When she steps up to the mic, her personality shines through. We are looking forward to working with her and to have everyone see her in ’Spectacular!’ and beyond”
Justice joined Nickelodeon in 2005 when she was cast as a series regular in Zoey 101. For three seasons, she played Lola Martinez, Zoey’s artsy and dramatic roommate at Pacific Coast Academy.
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.
