Kids
Toon Disney rebranded as Disney XD in the US to target boys
MUMBAI: US kids broadcaster Disney will re-brand its Toon Disney television and online platforms in the US to become Disney XD.
The new brand will include a mix of live-action and animated programming for kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor.
The transition will begin in February 2009 on television, online, mobile and Vod platforms.
The programming will span series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN.
The announcement was made by Disney Channels Worldwide president Rich Ross. For the 19 Jetix channels and six Toon Disney branded channels and programming in all other parts of the world, any potential re-branding decisions will be made on a case by case basis at a later date.
Ross said, “Disney Channel is a huge business serving kids all around the world, and it‘s especially successful with girls, and our goal with Disney XD is to have that same success ratio with boys. Disney XD will showcase great stories and empowering characters with Disney‘s brand credibility and a cool creative factor that will set it apart from the pack.”
Disney XD will be the seventh brand in the kid-driven, family inclusive TV and radio business of the US media conglomerate. The global portfolio encompasses Playhouse Disney, Disney Channel, Radio Disney, Disney Cinemagic, Toon Disney and Jetix.
Disney XD programming will reflect the boy demographic‘s fundamental values of accomplishment, learning, discovery and growth, and will be differentiated by Disney-branded live-action movies, new and library animated programming and original programming developed with the leader in sports entertainment, ESPN. These initiatives range from original programming to newly packaged X Games content.
The Disney XD launch schedule will include Aaron Stone. This is an adventure series about a teenager who is enlisted to become the real life version of a legendary, crime fighting online game character. The series stars Kelly Blatz, David Lambert, JP Manoux and Tania Gunadi.
Mongoose and Luther is a comedy about two best friends who set their sights on becoming world famous skateboarders. The stars are Hutch Dano, Adam Hicks, Daniel Curtis Lee and Ryan Newman. Hero and Not is an animated short-form series produced in Italy by Studio Bozzetto andCo
RoboDz is a comedic 3D, CG-animated and live action short form series.
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!
