Crayola, the more than a century-old school and creative arts supply company famous for its crayons, is launching a studio division that will produce multigenre content for kids and families.
Victoria Lozano, Crayola’s executive vp marketing, will oversee the division, which has already partnered with production companies, animation studios and IP owners to build out a content slate focused on exploring the possibilities of children’s creativity while also leveraging color as an element of the studio’s stories. Lozano will receive support from Crayola sister company Hallmark Media and Goatfish Agency, which was founded by Rick Glankler, Fremantle’s former president and general manager of kids and family entertainment.
“As world leaders in creative self-expression, the establishment of Crayola Studios is a logical next step for us [and] builds on plans announced last year to develop entertainment content that inspires and nurtures the next generation and helps them develop lifelong creative mindsets,...
Victoria Lozano, Crayola’s executive vp marketing, will oversee the division, which has already partnered with production companies, animation studios and IP owners to build out a content slate focused on exploring the possibilities of children’s creativity while also leveraging color as an element of the studio’s stories. Lozano will receive support from Crayola sister company Hallmark Media and Goatfish Agency, which was founded by Rick Glankler, Fremantle’s former president and general manager of kids and family entertainment.
“As world leaders in creative self-expression, the establishment of Crayola Studios is a logical next step for us [and] builds on plans announced last year to develop entertainment content that inspires and nurtures the next generation and helps them develop lifelong creative mindsets,...
- 8/3/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The success of Barbie has seen toy company Mattel plot a new slate of movies based on its products.
Another business you wouldn’t necessarily expect to make big move into the entertainment space is crayon company Crayola.
Crayola is now launching Crayola Studios, a new division to create content for kids and families, and has set its first project.
It has teamed with Mimo Studios, which is run by former Nickelodeon chief Cyma Zarghami, to co-develop The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian.
Overseeing Crayola Studios is Crayola’s EVP Marketing Victoria Lozano with support from Goatfish Agency, which was founded by Rick Glankler, Fremantle’s former President and General Manager Kids & Family Entertainment. Crayola’s sister company Hallmark Media will also support the initiative.
It will partner with production companies, animation studios and IP owners to create series for kids broadcast platforms around the world.
Lozano said, “As world leaders in creative self-expression,...
Another business you wouldn’t necessarily expect to make big move into the entertainment space is crayon company Crayola.
Crayola is now launching Crayola Studios, a new division to create content for kids and families, and has set its first project.
It has teamed with Mimo Studios, which is run by former Nickelodeon chief Cyma Zarghami, to co-develop The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian.
Overseeing Crayola Studios is Crayola’s EVP Marketing Victoria Lozano with support from Goatfish Agency, which was founded by Rick Glankler, Fremantle’s former President and General Manager Kids & Family Entertainment. Crayola’s sister company Hallmark Media will also support the initiative.
It will partner with production companies, animation studios and IP owners to create series for kids broadcast platforms around the world.
Lozano said, “As world leaders in creative self-expression,...
- 8/3/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery made headlines Wednesday by kicking off its Max streaming service — the renamed HBO Max — with buzzy series announcements based on familiar series. There’s a new “Harry Potter” streaming series, a “Big Bang Theory” spin-off and, yes, more dragons.
But CEO David Zaslav and his team will have to do more to impress a skeptical Wall Street and win over streaming consumers who already have an abundance of entertainment choices. And he will have to do that without the powerful HBO brand as a primary lure.
HBO is well-known — perhaps too well-known, in its specific associations with edgy content. Warner Bros. Discovery executives admitted as much Wednesday, saying they wanted Max to be seen as an all-ages, kid-friendly streaming venue. But is it a mistake to downplay an esteemed media brand in an effort to compete in a marketplace dominated by Disney and Netflix?
Also Read:
Warner Bros.
But CEO David Zaslav and his team will have to do more to impress a skeptical Wall Street and win over streaming consumers who already have an abundance of entertainment choices. And he will have to do that without the powerful HBO brand as a primary lure.
HBO is well-known — perhaps too well-known, in its specific associations with edgy content. Warner Bros. Discovery executives admitted as much Wednesday, saying they wanted Max to be seen as an all-ages, kid-friendly streaming venue. But is it a mistake to downplay an esteemed media brand in an effort to compete in a marketplace dominated by Disney and Netflix?
Also Read:
Warner Bros.
- 4/13/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi and Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Former longtime Nickelodeon President Cyma Zarghami’s family and kids-focused Mimo Studios has teamed with leading kids producer Tom Lynch Co. to develop two live-action projects: a screen adaptation of Brittany Geragotelis’ popular novel series, The Infamous Frankie Lorde, from publishing house Pixel and Ink, and Code Club, an original property. Ryan Devlin Lynch, Vice President of Content, will lead the projects for TLC.
The partnership reunites Zarghami and Lynch, who worked together for more than three decades and were behind some of the most popular live-action programs in children’s television including The Secret World of Alex Mack, The Journey of Allen Strange, and Caitlin’s Way.
The Infamous Frankie Lorde bears a similarity to the duo’s The Secret World of Alex Mack, both of which center on strong female protagonists — Frankie Lorde, a modern day female hero who is righting the wrongs of her new hometown,...
The partnership reunites Zarghami and Lynch, who worked together for more than three decades and were behind some of the most popular live-action programs in children’s television including The Secret World of Alex Mack, The Journey of Allen Strange, and Caitlin’s Way.
The Infamous Frankie Lorde bears a similarity to the duo’s The Secret World of Alex Mack, both of which center on strong female protagonists — Frankie Lorde, a modern day female hero who is righting the wrongs of her new hometown,...
- 12/5/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Cyma Zarghami knows what it takes to create a bona fide hit in the kids TV business. It’s not measured by Nielsen ratings or unique users or page views, but something far more elusive: Playground cred.
“It’s something basically that kids want to wear on their backpacks,” Zarghami tells Variety‘s weekly podcast “Strictly Business.” TV shows are no longer standalone properties, but part of larger narratives involving social media, video games and dedicated fan communities.
“In order to become a franchise in the kids world, you almost have to be everywhere all at once, immediately,” she says.
The longtime leader of Nickelodeon has set up her own production banner, MiMo Studios, which launched its first project in June, “@HippoPark,” a series of animated shorts that debuted on YouTube.
Zarghami spent 33 years at Nickelodeon, the last 12 of them as president, before she stepped down in 2018. She knows as...
“It’s something basically that kids want to wear on their backpacks,” Zarghami tells Variety‘s weekly podcast “Strictly Business.” TV shows are no longer standalone properties, but part of larger narratives involving social media, video games and dedicated fan communities.
“In order to become a franchise in the kids world, you almost have to be everywhere all at once, immediately,” she says.
The longtime leader of Nickelodeon has set up her own production banner, MiMo Studios, which launched its first project in June, “@HippoPark,” a series of animated shorts that debuted on YouTube.
Zarghami spent 33 years at Nickelodeon, the last 12 of them as president, before she stepped down in 2018. She knows as...
- 7/13/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Kids’ television industry vet Cyma Zarghami’s MiMo Studios has launched a new preschool series aimed at preparing young children for consuming content and games in the Metaverse, Variety has learned exclusively.
Titled “@HippoPark,” the animated kids’ series is described as “a place where you can splash, climb, run, slide and play with your friends all of the time. You might see a hippo, you might pilot a plane, you might grow your own garden, you might dance in the rain. It’s your neighborhood park, just steps from your door, it’s filled with your favorites, your friends and much more.”
Launching via a standalone YouTube channel Wednesday, “@HippoPark” consists of episodes that range from 15 seconds to 1 minute, 30 seconds in length.
Created using UNreal Game Engine, “@HippoPark” is MiMO’s first project with an eye towards Web3 extensions. Zarghami’s production company predicts the future of kids’ content will...
Titled “@HippoPark,” the animated kids’ series is described as “a place where you can splash, climb, run, slide and play with your friends all of the time. You might see a hippo, you might pilot a plane, you might grow your own garden, you might dance in the rain. It’s your neighborhood park, just steps from your door, it’s filled with your favorites, your friends and much more.”
Launching via a standalone YouTube channel Wednesday, “@HippoPark” consists of episodes that range from 15 seconds to 1 minute, 30 seconds in length.
Created using UNreal Game Engine, “@HippoPark” is MiMO’s first project with an eye towards Web3 extensions. Zarghami’s production company predicts the future of kids’ content will...
- 6/8/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Melissa Joan Hart told fans of her ’90s Nickelodeon show “Clarissa Explains It All” is no longer happening, People reports.
Hart was attending ’90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday and sitting in on the panel for “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” her other ’90s series, when she was asked about the status of the “Clarissa” reboot, which was first reported in 2018.
“We tried that, actually. Nickelodeon got a new president, and they kind of squashed the whole thing,” Hart said of the reboot, according to People, and referring to Bryan Robbins, who took over as president of the cable network for kids from Cyma Zarghami in 2018. “So it was actually in the works and, yeah, it just sort of disappeared. It took like a year to do the contracts, which was the hardest part, and then it just kind of fizzled out. So I don’t think [it will happen].”
“Clarissa Explains It All...
Hart was attending ’90s Con in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday and sitting in on the panel for “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” her other ’90s series, when she was asked about the status of the “Clarissa” reboot, which was first reported in 2018.
“We tried that, actually. Nickelodeon got a new president, and they kind of squashed the whole thing,” Hart said of the reboot, according to People, and referring to Bryan Robbins, who took over as president of the cable network for kids from Cyma Zarghami in 2018. “So it was actually in the works and, yeah, it just sort of disappeared. It took like a year to do the contracts, which was the hardest part, and then it just kind of fizzled out. So I don’t think [it will happen].”
“Clarissa Explains It All...
- 3/13/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Melissa Joan Hart explained it all when asked what became of the Clarissa Explains It All revival that was in development at Nickelodeon some four years ago.
In March 2018, Hart was poised to reprise her role as Clarissa Darling in a revival of the 1990s Nickelodeon sitcom; original series creator Mitchell Kriegman was also due to return, as EP.
More from TVLineLive-Action Dora the Explorer Series, Tmnt Movies Ordered at Paramount+Nickelodeon Orders Baby Shark Movie, Renews Big Show! for Season 2Patrick Star Show Trailer: SpongeBob's Bff Finds His 'True Porpoise' in Spinoff
But on Saturday at a ’90s Con panel in Hartford,...
In March 2018, Hart was poised to reprise her role as Clarissa Darling in a revival of the 1990s Nickelodeon sitcom; original series creator Mitchell Kriegman was also due to return, as EP.
More from TVLineLive-Action Dora the Explorer Series, Tmnt Movies Ordered at Paramount+Nickelodeon Orders Baby Shark Movie, Renews Big Show! for Season 2Patrick Star Show Trailer: SpongeBob's Bff Finds His 'True Porpoise' in Spinoff
But on Saturday at a ’90s Con panel in Hartford,...
- 3/13/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Former longtime Nickelodeon President Cyma Zarghami’s family and kids-focused MiMO Studio and Trustbridge Global Media are partnering to develop the The Infamous Frankie Lorde book series into a live-action movie.
Written by Brittany Geragotelis (Life’s A Witch), the three-volume Frankie Lorde book series, which explores girl empowerment themes, launched in 2020 with “Stealing Greenwich”. The second book, “Going Wild”, came out this year and the third book is scheduled to be released in September 2022.
The Infamous Frankie Lorde book series tells the aspirational story of Frankie Lorde, an ordinary 13-year-old with an extraordinary passion for justice. She’s out to right the wrongs she sees around her, using all the skills she learned as the globe-trotting, cultured, and daring daughter of a notorious thief, to make up for the past. With her new friend Oliver by her side, Frankie takes down bad guys, from terrible landlords to exotic pet brokers,...
Written by Brittany Geragotelis (Life’s A Witch), the three-volume Frankie Lorde book series, which explores girl empowerment themes, launched in 2020 with “Stealing Greenwich”. The second book, “Going Wild”, came out this year and the third book is scheduled to be released in September 2022.
The Infamous Frankie Lorde book series tells the aspirational story of Frankie Lorde, an ordinary 13-year-old with an extraordinary passion for justice. She’s out to right the wrongs she sees around her, using all the skills she learned as the globe-trotting, cultured, and daring daughter of a notorious thief, to make up for the past. With her new friend Oliver by her side, Frankie takes down bad guys, from terrible landlords to exotic pet brokers,...
- 11/30/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Brian Robbins is leaning hard into the franchise strategy he used to reinvigorate Nickelodeon as he takes formal oversight of kids and family content for Paramount+ as part of ViacomCBS’ global streaming push.
The Awesomeness TV exec who took over Nickelodeon in October 2018, filling the void created by the exit of three-decade veteran Cyma Zarghami in ViacomCBS CEO Bob Bakish’s first round of executive changes. In the three years since arriving at the kids-focused network, Robbins has revived key Nickelodeon franchises including SpongeBob SquarePants (spinoffs Kamp Koral on Paramount+ and The Patrick Star Show on linear), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (see the ...
The Awesomeness TV exec who took over Nickelodeon in October 2018, filling the void created by the exit of three-decade veteran Cyma Zarghami in ViacomCBS CEO Bob Bakish’s first round of executive changes. In the three years since arriving at the kids-focused network, Robbins has revived key Nickelodeon franchises including SpongeBob SquarePants (spinoffs Kamp Koral on Paramount+ and The Patrick Star Show on linear), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (see the ...
- 7/12/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Brian Robbins is leaning hard into the franchise strategy he used to reinvigorate Nickelodeon as he takes formal oversight of kids and family content for Paramount+ as part of ViacomCBS’ global streaming push.
The Awesomeness TV exec who took over Nickelodeon in October 2018, filling the void created by the exit of three-decade veteran Cyma Zarghami in ViacomCBS CEO Bob Bakish’s first round of executive changes. In the three years since arriving at the kids-focused network, Robbins has revived key Nickelodeon franchises including SpongeBob SquarePants (spinoffs Kamp Koral on Paramount+ and The Patrick Star Show on linear), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (see the ...
The Awesomeness TV exec who took over Nickelodeon in October 2018, filling the void created by the exit of three-decade veteran Cyma Zarghami in ViacomCBS CEO Bob Bakish’s first round of executive changes. In the three years since arriving at the kids-focused network, Robbins has revived key Nickelodeon franchises including SpongeBob SquarePants (spinoffs Kamp Koral on Paramount+ and The Patrick Star Show on linear), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (see the ...
- 7/12/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Mimo Studios, the production company backed by former Nickelodeon president Cyma Zarghami, has a concept it hopes will go swimmingly with the need for new children’s content.
Mimo is in talks with various streaming-video hubs and kid-focused media outlets regarding a trio of 45-minute 3-D animated musical specials based on author Deborah Diesen’s “Pout-Pout Fish” books. The books were first published by MacMillan in 2008 and gave rise to 42 titles in 8 different languages, resulting in 8.5 million copies sold. The series centers on a brave fish with a “frowny face and a big heart.”
The specials are based on the work of Diesen and illustrator Dan Hanna, Each program features three original songs from a wide range of genres, including Broadway, pop and funk. The protagonist faces down obstacles like water pollution or not having a school of friends to swim with by standing up for other characters in need.
Mimo is in talks with various streaming-video hubs and kid-focused media outlets regarding a trio of 45-minute 3-D animated musical specials based on author Deborah Diesen’s “Pout-Pout Fish” books. The books were first published by MacMillan in 2008 and gave rise to 42 titles in 8 different languages, resulting in 8.5 million copies sold. The series centers on a brave fish with a “frowny face and a big heart.”
The specials are based on the work of Diesen and illustrator Dan Hanna, Each program features three original songs from a wide range of genres, including Broadway, pop and funk. The protagonist faces down obstacles like water pollution or not having a school of friends to swim with by standing up for other characters in need.
- 1/25/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Cyma Zarghami, former Nickelodeon President, will team with two-time NBA All-Star Baron Davis and his UWish production company to create sports-related short films geared for kids and their families.
The new MiMo sports devision will feature a mix of sports-themed content ranging from real life stories to scripted titles under its Heroes of the Game category, with Davis serving as executive producer and creative consultant on all projects. Davis will also join the studio’s board of advisors.
“Heroes of the Game provides an exciting opportunity to expand UWish’s mission of celebrating diverse storytelling in new and engaging ways,” Davis said. “I have known Cyma for a very long time and always wanted to work with her team to create content that shows kids what is possible when they work hard and dream big.”
Zarghmai and Davis’ new content is already underway as the collaborators have started development on...
The new MiMo sports devision will feature a mix of sports-themed content ranging from real life stories to scripted titles under its Heroes of the Game category, with Davis serving as executive producer and creative consultant on all projects. Davis will also join the studio’s board of advisors.
“Heroes of the Game provides an exciting opportunity to expand UWish’s mission of celebrating diverse storytelling in new and engaging ways,” Davis said. “I have known Cyma for a very long time and always wanted to work with her team to create content that shows kids what is possible when they work hard and dream big.”
Zarghmai and Davis’ new content is already underway as the collaborators have started development on...
- 8/6/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Former NBA player Baron Davis and his company UWish and MiMO Studio have partnered to launch MiMO Sports.
The new division is dedicated to creating sports-themed content for kids and families while inspiring positive family values and diverse storytelling.
“MiMO Studio is establishing itself as the creative destination for simple, authentic and diverse kid and family stories,” said Cyma Zarghami, MiMO founder and CEO. “We want to tell great kid stories with the sports they love as the backdrop with characters and athletes that are aspirational. By partnering with an elite athlete and family man like Baron and his UWish company, we are looking to be the creative destination for kid sports stories and pave the way for UWish’s foray into the kids’ content space.”
MiMO Studio will produce a wide range of content types that appeal to kids, including real life stories to sports themed scripted content under...
The new division is dedicated to creating sports-themed content for kids and families while inspiring positive family values and diverse storytelling.
“MiMO Studio is establishing itself as the creative destination for simple, authentic and diverse kid and family stories,” said Cyma Zarghami, MiMO founder and CEO. “We want to tell great kid stories with the sports they love as the backdrop with characters and athletes that are aspirational. By partnering with an elite athlete and family man like Baron and his UWish company, we are looking to be the creative destination for kid sports stories and pave the way for UWish’s foray into the kids’ content space.”
MiMO Studio will produce a wide range of content types that appeal to kids, including real life stories to sports themed scripted content under...
- 8/6/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Former NBA star Baron Davis is taking a shot at kids' TV programming.
Davis and his company, UWish, have teamed with former Nickelodeon head Cyma Zarghami's MiMO Studio to launch MiMO Sports, which will create sports-related content aimed at kids and families that looks to inspire positive values and celebrate diverse storytelling.
Content under the "Heroes of the Game" banner will include real-life stories and scripted content, including a TV movie based on Matt Christopher's book The Kid Who Only Hit Homers. Davis will act in a project in development about a family rivalry that spills onto the ...
Davis and his company, UWish, have teamed with former Nickelodeon head Cyma Zarghami's MiMO Studio to launch MiMO Sports, which will create sports-related content aimed at kids and families that looks to inspire positive values and celebrate diverse storytelling.
Content under the "Heroes of the Game" banner will include real-life stories and scripted content, including a TV movie based on Matt Christopher's book The Kid Who Only Hit Homers. Davis will act in a project in development about a family rivalry that spills onto the ...
‘The Pout-Pout Fish’ & ‘Alien Adventures Of Finn Caspian’ Animated TV Movies In Works At MiMO Studio
Exclusive: Cyma Zarghami’s MiMO Studio has acquired Deborah Diesen’s bestselling preschool book franchise The Pout-Pout Fish and award-winning kids serialized kids podcast The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian to develop into multiple, animated TV-length movies. The projects are among the first for the recently launched MiMO Studio — short for mini movies — a full-service production and consultancy focused on kids and family content.
MiMO Studio also released a trailer for the company’s first live-action movie, based on Matt Christopher’s popular children’s book The Kid Who Only Hit Homers.
The Pout-Pout Fish adaptation will follow the original adventure of The Pout-Pout Fish and his friends to develop the core cast of characters in their undersea world.
More from DeadlineCyma Zarghami Launches MiMO Studio For Kids & Family Content, Sets 'The Kid Who Only Hit Homers' TV MovieCyma Zarghami Stepping Down As President Of Nickelodeon GroupNickelodeon's Broadway Upfront Makes...
MiMO Studio also released a trailer for the company’s first live-action movie, based on Matt Christopher’s popular children’s book The Kid Who Only Hit Homers.
The Pout-Pout Fish adaptation will follow the original adventure of The Pout-Pout Fish and his friends to develop the core cast of characters in their undersea world.
More from DeadlineCyma Zarghami Launches MiMO Studio For Kids & Family Content, Sets 'The Kid Who Only Hit Homers' TV MovieCyma Zarghami Stepping Down As President Of Nickelodeon GroupNickelodeon's Broadway Upfront Makes...
- 5/1/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Former longtime Nickelodeon President Cyma Zarghami has unveiled her new venture, MiMO Studio, a full-service production and consultancy focused on kids and family content spanning live-action, animation and preschool.
As the venture’s name — short for mini movies — suggests, a main focus is being put on TV length original movies which kids respond to and which encourage co-viewing.
Zarghami took a little time to think about what she wanted to do next after leaving Nickelodeon last year. She ultimately opted to stay in the kids arena. “After spending 33 years entrenched in the kids business, I thought, in today’s incredibly disruptive universe, wouldn’t it be fun to be an entrepreneur, a maker and serve the same audience,” Zarghami told Deadline.
She is betting on herself and is self-funding the New York-based MiMO Studio for the first year, including its first project, a live-action movie based on Matt Christopher’s...
As the venture’s name — short for mini movies — suggests, a main focus is being put on TV length original movies which kids respond to and which encourage co-viewing.
Zarghami took a little time to think about what she wanted to do next after leaving Nickelodeon last year. She ultimately opted to stay in the kids arena. “After spending 33 years entrenched in the kids business, I thought, in today’s incredibly disruptive universe, wouldn’t it be fun to be an entrepreneur, a maker and serve the same audience,” Zarghami told Deadline.
She is betting on herself and is self-funding the New York-based MiMO Studio for the first year, including its first project, a live-action movie based on Matt Christopher’s...
- 2/26/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Cyma Zarghami spent the better part of her career overseeing the kids-media empire known as Nickelodeon. At last, she’s ready to come out and play.
Zargahmi, who left in 2018 as president of the Nickelodeon operations at the company once known as Viacom, has returned to the business of creating content for kids. She has launched MiMO Studio, a production company and consultancy that will put its initial focus on developing original movies based on properties she thinks will win over children and their families.
“I think kids under 11 are looking for something new to fall in love with,” says Zarghami in an interview. “I’ve had some success in that department.”
Zarghami started at Nickelodeon in 1985 as a scheduling clerk and over three decades became one of the most important leaders in children’s television in the U.S. During her time there, Nickelodeon introduced young audiences to everything...
Zargahmi, who left in 2018 as president of the Nickelodeon operations at the company once known as Viacom, has returned to the business of creating content for kids. She has launched MiMO Studio, a production company and consultancy that will put its initial focus on developing original movies based on properties she thinks will win over children and their families.
“I think kids under 11 are looking for something new to fall in love with,” says Zarghami in an interview. “I’ve had some success in that department.”
Zarghami started at Nickelodeon in 1985 as a scheduling clerk and over three decades became one of the most important leaders in children’s television in the U.S. During her time there, Nickelodeon introduced young audiences to everything...
- 2/26/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Nickelodeon veteran Cyma Zarghami has launched MiMO Studio, a production firm and consultancy focused on developing kids and family programming for a range of distributors.
With MiMO, Zarghami says she will focus on producing "TV-sized movies" that run between 45 and 60 minutes. The first such project is a live-action film based on the 1972 Matt Christopher book The Kid Who Only Hit Homers. MiMo's adaptation of the novel will follow the 13-year-old protagonist, Sylvester, and a female pitcher named Aly. It is being directed by longtime television cinematographer Carlos Gonzalez.
Zarghami's plans for MiMO are colored ...
With MiMO, Zarghami says she will focus on producing "TV-sized movies" that run between 45 and 60 minutes. The first such project is a live-action film based on the 1972 Matt Christopher book The Kid Who Only Hit Homers. MiMo's adaptation of the novel will follow the 13-year-old protagonist, Sylvester, and a female pitcher named Aly. It is being directed by longtime television cinematographer Carlos Gonzalez.
Zarghami's plans for MiMO are colored ...
- 2/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Viacom’s cable portfolio was once a shining example to the rest of the industry, but the company has been struggling to revitalize its most important brands for years. With the merger between Viacom and CBS now officially underway, the health of those brands is more important than ever.
When Bob Bakish took over as president and CEO in late 2016, he specifically called out six core networks — MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, Bet and Paramount Network — as the keys to Viacom’s success. Since then, Viacom has reorganized its executive ranks and laid off employees across numerous brands as it attempts to lure viewers and streamline for the digital age.
Among the more significant of these moves: In May 2018, Debra Lee stepped down as the head of Bet after more than a decade at the helm of the African-American focused cabler; In October of that same year, longtime Viacom...
When Bob Bakish took over as president and CEO in late 2016, he specifically called out six core networks — MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Comedy Central, Bet and Paramount Network — as the keys to Viacom’s success. Since then, Viacom has reorganized its executive ranks and laid off employees across numerous brands as it attempts to lure viewers and streamline for the digital age.
Among the more significant of these moves: In May 2018, Debra Lee stepped down as the head of Bet after more than a decade at the helm of the African-American focused cabler; In October of that same year, longtime Viacom...
- 8/16/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Joe Ianniello might be the new chairman and CEO of CBS as part of the new ViacomCBS, but the longtime executive has ceded some Showtime territory to big boss Bob Bakish as Viacom and the home of Blue Bloods hooked up again after a 13-year break. The move leaves David Nevins now answering to two kings, at least for the immediate future.
Under the structure of the newly reunited ViacomCBS Inc, once acting CBS CEO Ianniello will run the CBS unit of the parent company, which is valued at about $30 billion. However, with speculation that Ianniello will likely only be around until his recently extended contract expires and the deal is approved by regulators, it is a carved-up CBS, to put it mildly. A source familiar with the situation noted Ianniello’s contract has just been extended through 2021 in the past few days, but conceded many details of the new...
Under the structure of the newly reunited ViacomCBS Inc, once acting CBS CEO Ianniello will run the CBS unit of the parent company, which is valued at about $30 billion. However, with speculation that Ianniello will likely only be around until his recently extended contract expires and the deal is approved by regulators, it is a carved-up CBS, to put it mildly. A source familiar with the situation noted Ianniello’s contract has just been extended through 2021 in the past few days, but conceded many details of the new...
- 8/13/2019
- by Dominic Patten and Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Viacom’s four-year-old subscription offering Noggin has gotten a boost to its mission to serve preschoolers from Nickelodeon’s acquisition of Sparkler, an early childhood learning tech platform.
As part of the deal, Nickelodeon has installed Sparkler co-founder Kristen Kane as the new leader for Noggin, the ad-free, direct-to-consumer offering. Noggin features more than 1,500 full-length library episodes, short-form videos, Spanish-language videos and music videos featuring preschool educational fare.
Noggin started out as a linear cable joint venture with Sesame Workshop before eventually being targeted as a streaming app. Preschool programming at Nickelodeon for the past few years has carried the Nick Jr. banner.
Sparkler measures child development and delivers personalized content and coaching to parents to improve child outcomes. Its technology will be integrated into Noggin’s platform, Nickelodeon said, enabling parents to guide and support their children’s growth and development through engaging, playable content and experiences on and off screen.
As part of the deal, Nickelodeon has installed Sparkler co-founder Kristen Kane as the new leader for Noggin, the ad-free, direct-to-consumer offering. Noggin features more than 1,500 full-length library episodes, short-form videos, Spanish-language videos and music videos featuring preschool educational fare.
Noggin started out as a linear cable joint venture with Sesame Workshop before eventually being targeted as a streaming app. Preschool programming at Nickelodeon for the past few years has carried the Nick Jr. banner.
Sparkler measures child development and delivers personalized content and coaching to parents to improve child outcomes. Its technology will be integrated into Noggin’s platform, Nickelodeon said, enabling parents to guide and support their children’s growth and development through engaging, playable content and experiences on and off screen.
- 3/29/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
As Nickelodeon turns 40, the kids’ network is finding ways to rely on its past as it presses boldly into the future.
“My goal is to fill up every screen of every size to make Nick kids’ first and last stop for everything they want in entertainment,” says Nickelodeon Group president Brian Robbins, who succeeded long-time Nick veteran Cyma Zarghami last year in Viacom CEO Bob Bakish’s reorganization of the media conglomerate. Robbins has a long history with the channel, dating back to his role as co-creator of “All That” in 1994.
“There’s no doubt kids are consuming a ton of content in many different ways,” he says. “The good news is we live in a world where brands still matter, and Nick is absolutely a giant brand that still matters.”
While ratings have been on the decline on the linear channel — down 29% in total viewers in 2018 — as they have...
“My goal is to fill up every screen of every size to make Nick kids’ first and last stop for everything they want in entertainment,” says Nickelodeon Group president Brian Robbins, who succeeded long-time Nick veteran Cyma Zarghami last year in Viacom CEO Bob Bakish’s reorganization of the media conglomerate. Robbins has a long history with the channel, dating back to his role as co-creator of “All That” in 1994.
“There’s no doubt kids are consuming a ton of content in many different ways,” he says. “The good news is we live in a world where brands still matter, and Nick is absolutely a giant brand that still matters.”
While ratings have been on the decline on the linear channel — down 29% in total viewers in 2018 — as they have...
- 3/20/2019
- by Rob Owen
- Variety Film + TV
Viacom leadership painted a picture of recovery during the company’s fiscal first-quarter earnings call, parrying analyst questions about looming carriage talks with DirecTV, turnaround efforts at Nickelodeon and a big bet on ad-supported streaming.
The media company prior to the call reported a mixed quarter, with earnings beating Wall Street estimates but total revenue falling short of forecasts due to a decline in advertising. Investors are betting on the upside, sending shares in Viacom up 4% to $30.60 in early trading.
M&A on a broader level, including never-ending speculation about potential for renewed talks with CBS, never surfaced as a topic during the hour-plus call. But a large chunk of the company’s 35-minute prepared remarks was devoted to Viacom’s $340 million acquisition last month of Pluto TV, a leading player in free, ad-supported streaming.
CEO Bob Bakish described Pluto as a “scaled, direct-to-consumer play” that will “fit into and accelerate Viacom’s evolution.
The media company prior to the call reported a mixed quarter, with earnings beating Wall Street estimates but total revenue falling short of forecasts due to a decline in advertising. Investors are betting on the upside, sending shares in Viacom up 4% to $30.60 in early trading.
M&A on a broader level, including never-ending speculation about potential for renewed talks with CBS, never surfaced as a topic during the hour-plus call. But a large chunk of the company’s 35-minute prepared remarks was devoted to Viacom’s $340 million acquisition last month of Pluto TV, a leading player in free, ad-supported streaming.
CEO Bob Bakish described Pluto as a “scaled, direct-to-consumer play” that will “fit into and accelerate Viacom’s evolution.
- 2/5/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Nickelodeon and Netflix have set a deal for Nickelodeon Studios to produce two original, animated feature films: The Loud House and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
The films are based on Nickelodeon properties but do not involve the TV series, Viacom said. The company announced the deal during its first-quarter earnings call with Wall Street analysts.
“This partnership with Netflix is part of Nickelodeon and Viacom’s broader efforts to tap into Nickelodeon’s library of culturally resonant properties and produce new content for third-party digital and linear platforms,” Viacom CEO Bob Bakish said during the call.
This deal follows Nickelodeon’s partnership with Netflix on Pinky Malinky, which premiered on the streaming service in 2018, as well as a new live-action series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which starts production this year.
Viacom’s Paramount Pictures division has also become more and more involved with Netflix on different fronts.
The films are based on Nickelodeon properties but do not involve the TV series, Viacom said. The company announced the deal during its first-quarter earnings call with Wall Street analysts.
“This partnership with Netflix is part of Nickelodeon and Viacom’s broader efforts to tap into Nickelodeon’s library of culturally resonant properties and produce new content for third-party digital and linear platforms,” Viacom CEO Bob Bakish said during the call.
This deal follows Nickelodeon’s partnership with Netflix on Pinky Malinky, which premiered on the streaming service in 2018, as well as a new live-action series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which starts production this year.
Viacom’s Paramount Pictures division has also become more and more involved with Netflix on different fronts.
- 2/5/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Another longtime senior Nickelodeon executive is departing the Viacom network, which has been revamping its programming team under new president Brian Robbins.
I have learned that Shelly Sumpter Gillyard, Evp Talent, Music and Events and a 19-year Nickelodeon veteran, has left the cable network. I hear a replacement will be named shortly.
She joins Elizabeth Murray, who recently stepped down as Evp Programming and Content Strategy. She was replaced last week by former Disney Channels Worldwide exec Paul DeBenedittis.
Since he took over Nickelodeon in October, succeeding Cyma Zarghami, Robbins also brought in longtime close associate Shauna Phelan in the newly created position of Svp Live-Action Scripted Content, and Oscar-nominated producer Ramsey Naito as Evp Animation Production and Development. Naito replaced Chris Viscardi, who segued to producing.
Additionally, as part of the continuing restructuring at the Viacom cable group, Nickelodeon EVPs Bronwen O’Keefe and Lee Ann Chmielewski-Larsen, were...
I have learned that Shelly Sumpter Gillyard, Evp Talent, Music and Events and a 19-year Nickelodeon veteran, has left the cable network. I hear a replacement will be named shortly.
She joins Elizabeth Murray, who recently stepped down as Evp Programming and Content Strategy. She was replaced last week by former Disney Channels Worldwide exec Paul DeBenedittis.
Since he took over Nickelodeon in October, succeeding Cyma Zarghami, Robbins also brought in longtime close associate Shauna Phelan in the newly created position of Svp Live-Action Scripted Content, and Oscar-nominated producer Ramsey Naito as Evp Animation Production and Development. Naito replaced Chris Viscardi, who segued to producing.
Additionally, as part of the continuing restructuring at the Viacom cable group, Nickelodeon EVPs Bronwen O’Keefe and Lee Ann Chmielewski-Larsen, were...
- 1/21/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
While Viacom’s fourth-quarter earnings showed some positive signs, edging Wall Street’s estimates and delivering evidence of a turnaround at Paramount, CEO Bob Bakish conceded Nickelodeon has shown “some softness.”
As evidenced by the recent leadership change that saw Brian Robbins succeed Cyma Zarghami as head of Nickelodeon, “we are actively working on it,” Bakish said during a conference call with analysts.
The flagship network, along with MTV, Bet, Comedy Central and Paramount Network, is crucial to the longer-term growth of the company. The media networks unit had a stagnant quarter, with revenue slipping 1%, as a 6% downturn in advertising was offset by modest affiliate growth. Kids programming in particular has been under assault for years by YouTube, social media and an array of other rivals for juvenile attention.
“At Nick, we’ve got the playbook,” the CEO maintained. Robbins “is diving in and creating great energy and urgency” at the network.
As evidenced by the recent leadership change that saw Brian Robbins succeed Cyma Zarghami as head of Nickelodeon, “we are actively working on it,” Bakish said during a conference call with analysts.
The flagship network, along with MTV, Bet, Comedy Central and Paramount Network, is crucial to the longer-term growth of the company. The media networks unit had a stagnant quarter, with revenue slipping 1%, as a 6% downturn in advertising was offset by modest affiliate growth. Kids programming in particular has been under assault for years by YouTube, social media and an array of other rivals for juvenile attention.
“At Nick, we’ve got the playbook,” the CEO maintained. Robbins “is diving in and creating great energy and urgency” at the network.
- 11/16/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Viacom Media Networks is undergoing another round of consolidation into four brand groups: Comedy Central, Paramount Network and TV Land under Kent Alterman; MTV, VH1, Cmt and Logo under Chris McCarthy; Bet Networks and Nickelodeon.
Kevin Kay will step down as President, Paramount Network, TV Land and Cmt following a transition period after almost three decades at Viacom. That group is now being split into two, with Paramount Network and TV Land, as well as Bellator, joining Comedy Central under Comedy Central president Alterman. The music-driven Cmt will join President Chris McCarthy’s current portfolio of MTV, VH1 and Logo. Alterman and McCarthy will continue to report to CEO Bob Bakish. There are no changes to Bet Networks or Nickelodeon.
“These changes mark the next step in the ongoing evolution of our company as we continue to ensure we’re making the most of our great assets and resources, and...
Kevin Kay will step down as President, Paramount Network, TV Land and Cmt following a transition period after almost three decades at Viacom. That group is now being split into two, with Paramount Network and TV Land, as well as Bellator, joining Comedy Central under Comedy Central president Alterman. The music-driven Cmt will join President Chris McCarthy’s current portfolio of MTV, VH1 and Logo. Alterman and McCarthy will continue to report to CEO Bob Bakish. There are no changes to Bet Networks or Nickelodeon.
“These changes mark the next step in the ongoing evolution of our company as we continue to ensure we’re making the most of our great assets and resources, and...
- 10/25/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Comedy Central president Kevin Alterman will add oversight of Viacom’s Paramount Network in a company-wide restructuring that will see the departure of current Paramount Network president Kevin Kay.
Viacom is streamlining its brand groups from five to four, with the new structure looking like this:
Comedy Central, Paramount Network and TV Land MTV, VH1, Cmt and Logo Bet Networks Nickelodeon
Alterman, while keeping his Comedy Central title, will take over duties for Paramount Network and TV Land from Kay, who will leave after a transition period. Chris McCarthy, already president of MTV, VH1 and Logo, will assume oversight of Cmt, which had also been run by Kay. There are no changes to Bet Networks or Nickelodeon.
Also Read: AwesomenessTV Co-Founder Brian Robbins Named President of Nickelodeon
“These changes mark the next step in the ongoing evolution of our company as we continue to ensure we’re making the most...
Viacom is streamlining its brand groups from five to four, with the new structure looking like this:
Comedy Central, Paramount Network and TV Land MTV, VH1, Cmt and Logo Bet Networks Nickelodeon
Alterman, while keeping his Comedy Central title, will take over duties for Paramount Network and TV Land from Kay, who will leave after a transition period. Chris McCarthy, already president of MTV, VH1 and Logo, will assume oversight of Cmt, which had also been run by Kay. There are no changes to Bet Networks or Nickelodeon.
Also Read: AwesomenessTV Co-Founder Brian Robbins Named President of Nickelodeon
“These changes mark the next step in the ongoing evolution of our company as we continue to ensure we’re making the most...
- 10/25/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Nickelodeon has signed an exclusive first-look deal with Kevin Hart, the network announced on Thursday.
Under the deal, Hart will produce and develop live-action scripted kids content for the network via his HartBeat Productions banner.
“For me, Nick has always represented everything fun about being a kid, and it’s still at the forefront today of kids’ and family entertainment,” Hart said in a statement. “I’ve been slimed at ‘Kids’ Choice,’ won a lot of Orange Blimps and my kids are my very own built-in focus group, so I’m ready to dive in and make some next-level shows with Brian and everyone at Nickelodeon.”
Also Read: AwesomenessTV Co-Founder Brian Robbins Named President of Nickelodeon
The deal for Hart comes 10 days after Viacom tapped AwesomenessTV co-founder Brian Robbins as the network’s new president, replacing Cyma Zarghami, who left the company in June after a 30-year tenure.
Added Robbins:...
Under the deal, Hart will produce and develop live-action scripted kids content for the network via his HartBeat Productions banner.
“For me, Nick has always represented everything fun about being a kid, and it’s still at the forefront today of kids’ and family entertainment,” Hart said in a statement. “I’ve been slimed at ‘Kids’ Choice,’ won a lot of Orange Blimps and my kids are my very own built-in focus group, so I’m ready to dive in and make some next-level shows with Brian and everyone at Nickelodeon.”
Also Read: AwesomenessTV Co-Founder Brian Robbins Named President of Nickelodeon
The deal for Hart comes 10 days after Viacom tapped AwesomenessTV co-founder Brian Robbins as the network’s new president, replacing Cyma Zarghami, who left the company in June after a 30-year tenure.
Added Robbins:...
- 10/11/2018
- by Reid Nakamura and Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Two high-level Nickelodeon executives, Evp’s Bronwen O’Keefe and Lee Ann Chmielewski-Larsen, have been quietly let go from the Viacom network group, I have learned. Both are Nickelodeon veterans: O’Keefe had been with the company for 20 years; Chmielewski-Larsen had been with Nick for 27 years.
O’Keefe was most recently Evp, Live Action and Movies, Nickelodeon Group, a position she was promoted to in January 2018. Chmielewski-Larsen was most recently Evp of Production, Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group, a post she held for the past two years. A rep for Nickelodeon said that the company does not comment on personnel issues.
I hear the departures happened a few weeks ago, before Brian Robbins was named President of Nickelodeon Group earlier this week. They are believed to be part of the continued restructuring at Nickelodeon as well as the entire Viacom cable group that has been ongoing since new Viacom...
O’Keefe was most recently Evp, Live Action and Movies, Nickelodeon Group, a position she was promoted to in January 2018. Chmielewski-Larsen was most recently Evp of Production, Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group, a post she held for the past two years. A rep for Nickelodeon said that the company does not comment on personnel issues.
I hear the departures happened a few weeks ago, before Brian Robbins was named President of Nickelodeon Group earlier this week. They are believed to be part of the continued restructuring at Nickelodeon as well as the entire Viacom cable group that has been ongoing since new Viacom...
- 10/4/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Viacom has tapped AwesomenessTV co-founder Brian Robbins as the new president of Nickelodeon, the company announced on Monday.
Most recently president of Paramount Players, Robbins will now manage the creative and business operations at Nick. He replaces Cyma Zarghami, who left the company back in June after a 30-year tenure.
There is currently no replacement for Robbins in line at Paramount, though the company said it had begun a “comprehensive search” for a new head of Paramount Players. Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group president Wyck Godfrey will oversee day-to-day operations in the interim, with support from Robbins during a transition period.
Also Read: Cyma Zarghami Steps Down as President of Nickelodeon Group
“Brian is a creative powerhouse who has spent his career on the frontlines of our industry, anticipating and driving changes in television, film and digital media,” Viacom president and CEO Bob Bakish said in a statement. “With his...
Most recently president of Paramount Players, Robbins will now manage the creative and business operations at Nick. He replaces Cyma Zarghami, who left the company back in June after a 30-year tenure.
There is currently no replacement for Robbins in line at Paramount, though the company said it had begun a “comprehensive search” for a new head of Paramount Players. Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group president Wyck Godfrey will oversee day-to-day operations in the interim, with support from Robbins during a transition period.
Also Read: Cyma Zarghami Steps Down as President of Nickelodeon Group
“Brian is a creative powerhouse who has spent his career on the frontlines of our industry, anticipating and driving changes in television, film and digital media,” Viacom president and CEO Bob Bakish said in a statement. “With his...
- 10/1/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Viacom named producer Brian Robbins as the new head of its Nickelodeon, its largest operation, a bid to steady the kid-focused cable channel even as it has been struggling with declining ratings and shifts in viewing habits among its target demographic.
Robbins, the founder of Awesomeness TV, has most recently been based at Viacom’s Paramount Pictures as head of its Paramount Players genre pic division.
“Brian is a creative powerhouse who has spent his career on the frontlines of our industry, anticipating and driving changes in television, film and digital media,” said Viacom CEO Bob Bakish. “With his unmatched credentials in kids’ entertainment and his firsthand knowledge of Nickelodeon, I have asked Brian to drive the innovation and transformation that will ensure the brand remains the dominant force with young audiences.”
Robbins is the first new executive to lead Nickelodeon in years. He replaces Cyma Zarghami, who was named...
Robbins, the founder of Awesomeness TV, has most recently been based at Viacom’s Paramount Pictures as head of its Paramount Players genre pic division.
“Brian is a creative powerhouse who has spent his career on the frontlines of our industry, anticipating and driving changes in television, film and digital media,” said Viacom CEO Bob Bakish. “With his unmatched credentials in kids’ entertainment and his firsthand knowledge of Nickelodeon, I have asked Brian to drive the innovation and transformation that will ensure the brand remains the dominant force with young audiences.”
Robbins is the first new executive to lead Nickelodeon in years. He replaces Cyma Zarghami, who was named...
- 10/1/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
A year and a half ago after AwesomenessTV co-founder Brian Robbins joined Viacom to run Paramount Players, he is being named President of the company’s Nickelodeon Group. He succeeds Cyma Zarghami who stepped down in June after more than 30 years with the network. Robbins will report directly to Viacom president and CEO Bob Bakish.
A search is underway for Robbins’ replacement as President of Paramount Players. In the interim, Wyck Godfrey, President of Paramount Pictures’ Motion Picture Group, will oversee day-to-day operations at Paramount Players, with support from Robbins during a transition period.
Robbins will manage the creative and business operations at Nickelodeon. As President of Paramount Pictures’ Paramount Players division, Robbins worked with Nickelodeon and Viacom’s other brands to identify talent and properties to be developed into co-branded feature films. In his new role, Robbins will remain integrally involved in the development, production and marketing of all...
A search is underway for Robbins’ replacement as President of Paramount Players. In the interim, Wyck Godfrey, President of Paramount Pictures’ Motion Picture Group, will oversee day-to-day operations at Paramount Players, with support from Robbins during a transition period.
Robbins will manage the creative and business operations at Nickelodeon. As President of Paramount Pictures’ Paramount Players division, Robbins worked with Nickelodeon and Viacom’s other brands to identify talent and properties to be developed into co-branded feature films. In his new role, Robbins will remain integrally involved in the development, production and marketing of all...
- 10/1/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
In June, Viacom dumped a proverbial slime bucket on the woman who almost single-handedly turned Nickelodeon into the No. 1 TV brand for kids. The decision to part with Cyma Zarghami, who most recently served as president of the Nickelodeon Group during a 30-year Viacom run, came less than three months after another high-profile departure: In March, Nickelodeon declined to renew its contract with hitmaker Dan Schneider, creator of ratings juggernauts like All That, iCarly and Drake & Josh.
The shake-ups are part of Viacom CEO Bob Bakish's efforts to rejuvenate the struggling Nickelodeon. While Nick had an estimated $2.1 billion ...
The shake-ups are part of Viacom CEO Bob Bakish's efforts to rejuvenate the struggling Nickelodeon. While Nick had an estimated $2.1 billion ...
- 8/10/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Nickelodeon, in the midst of a search for a permanent replacement for programming veteran Cyma Zarghami, solidified its lineup by handing out renewals for five series Friday during its time at the Television Critics Association's summer press tour.
Returning for additional seasons are animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Henry Danger, Knight Squad, The Dude Perfect Show and Hunter Street.
The pickups come as the Viacom-owned cable network is in the midst of a search to replace Zarghami, who had been with the network for more than three decades, most recently serving as president of the ...
Returning for additional seasons are animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Henry Danger, Knight Squad, The Dude Perfect Show and Hunter Street.
The pickups come as the Viacom-owned cable network is in the midst of a search to replace Zarghami, who had been with the network for more than three decades, most recently serving as president of the ...
- 7/27/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Nickelodeon is reviving the animated kids series “Rugrats” with a 26-episode order and a live-action film from Paramount Players.
Production has already begun on the new series, though no premiere date or cast information has been announced. Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó and Paul Germain, creators of the original 1991 series, will return as executive producers.
The movie, which is written by David Goodman and described as a “live-action film featuring CGI characters,” is slated for a November 13, 2020 release.
Also Read: Cyma Zarghami Steps Down as President of Nickelodeon Group
Both projects will feature the original characters Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, twins Phil and Lil DeVille and Angelica Pickles, as well as introduce new ones. It becomes the latest Nick project to get a revival, following the recently announced return of “Blue’s Clues” and upcoming “Rocko’s Modern Life” and “Invader Zim” specials.
“Rugrats is hands-down one of the most celebrated cartoons in TV history,...
Production has already begun on the new series, though no premiere date or cast information has been announced. Arlene Klasky, Gábor Csupó and Paul Germain, creators of the original 1991 series, will return as executive producers.
The movie, which is written by David Goodman and described as a “live-action film featuring CGI characters,” is slated for a November 13, 2020 release.
Also Read: Cyma Zarghami Steps Down as President of Nickelodeon Group
Both projects will feature the original characters Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, twins Phil and Lil DeVille and Angelica Pickles, as well as introduce new ones. It becomes the latest Nick project to get a revival, following the recently announced return of “Blue’s Clues” and upcoming “Rocko’s Modern Life” and “Invader Zim” specials.
“Rugrats is hands-down one of the most celebrated cartoons in TV history,...
- 7/16/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Annecy, France — France’s Annecy Festival, the world’s biggest animation meet, opens its doors June 11. Here are 12 takes on this year’s edition, and the state of the animation business:
1.Annecy Breaks Attendance Records, Again
This will be the largest Annecy Intl. Animation Film Festival ever. One week out, accreditations for its Intl. Animation Film Market (Mifa) were tracking 16% up vs. 2017, at 3,500. That’s the biggest attendance, and the biggest’s growth in attendance, on record, said Mifa head Mikaël Marin. Total Annecy attendance – festival guests, students and Mifa participants – was 10% up on last year’s 10,000, another historical record. Quaint, fairy-tale-like town it may be. But in numbers, Annecy is not much smaller than, say, MipTV, thanks of course to a much larger festival.
2. Animation Biz Drivers
So what else is new? Annecy has grown every single year since at least the turn of the decade, said Marin. Various...
1.Annecy Breaks Attendance Records, Again
This will be the largest Annecy Intl. Animation Film Festival ever. One week out, accreditations for its Intl. Animation Film Market (Mifa) were tracking 16% up vs. 2017, at 3,500. That’s the biggest attendance, and the biggest’s growth in attendance, on record, said Mifa head Mikaël Marin. Total Annecy attendance – festival guests, students and Mifa participants – was 10% up on last year’s 10,000, another historical record. Quaint, fairy-tale-like town it may be. But in numbers, Annecy is not much smaller than, say, MipTV, thanks of course to a much larger festival.
2. Animation Biz Drivers
So what else is new? Annecy has grown every single year since at least the turn of the decade, said Marin. Various...
- 6/11/2018
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Cyma Zarghami, who rose from a job in 1985 as a scheduling clerk at Nickelodeon to become president of the unit and one of the leaders in children’s television, will leave the Viacom-owned outlet after working there for more than three decades, the company said Monday.
Viacom said Sarah Levy, chief operating officer of Viacom’s global entertainment group, and an executive close to Viacom CEO Bob Bakish, would run Nickelodeon on an interim basis, while the company conducts a search for a successor.
Nickelodeon is one of Viacom’s main financial tentpoles, and Zarghami leaves the unit as the challenge of monetizing programming designed for a generation of young consumers accustomed to surfing through content on-demand is only intensifying. Zarghami’s position at Nickelodeon has been under scrutiny since February, when Viacom expanded Levy’s role to give her oversight of select functions at Nickelodeon that had been under Zarghami’s purview.
Viacom said Sarah Levy, chief operating officer of Viacom’s global entertainment group, and an executive close to Viacom CEO Bob Bakish, would run Nickelodeon on an interim basis, while the company conducts a search for a successor.
Nickelodeon is one of Viacom’s main financial tentpoles, and Zarghami leaves the unit as the challenge of monetizing programming designed for a generation of young consumers accustomed to surfing through content on-demand is only intensifying. Zarghami’s position at Nickelodeon has been under scrutiny since February, when Viacom expanded Levy’s role to give her oversight of select functions at Nickelodeon that had been under Zarghami’s purview.
- 6/4/2018
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with Bob Bakish’s memos: The last veteran top Viacom executive from the company’s previous regime, Cyma Zarghami, is stepping down as president of Nickelodeon Group after more than 30 years with the network. While Viacom conducts a search for a successor to lead Nickelodeon, Viacom Media Networks COO Sarah Levy will lead the network on an interim basis.
Zarghami’s exit comes only a few days after the departure of Debra Lee, who stepped down from her position as chairman and CEO of Bet Networks after three decades. All Viacom cable networks have undergone leadership changes as part of reorganizations implemented by Bob Bakish since he became Viacom president and CEO in December 2016. Under the realignment, the company focused on six “flagship” brands, which include Nickelodeon as well as Bet.
“Over the course of her career, Cyma has played an integral role in growing Nickelodeon into the dominant force in kids’ entertainment,...
Zarghami’s exit comes only a few days after the departure of Debra Lee, who stepped down from her position as chairman and CEO of Bet Networks after three decades. All Viacom cable networks have undergone leadership changes as part of reorganizations implemented by Bob Bakish since he became Viacom president and CEO in December 2016. Under the realignment, the company focused on six “flagship” brands, which include Nickelodeon as well as Bet.
“Over the course of her career, Cyma has played an integral role in growing Nickelodeon into the dominant force in kids’ entertainment,...
- 6/4/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Cyma Zarghami is stepping down as president of Nickelodeon Group after more than 30 years with the network.
Viacom Media Networks COO Sarah Levy will lead Nick on interim basis as the company searches for Zarghami’s permanent replacement.
“Over the course of her career, Cyma has played an integral role in growing Nickelodeon into the dominant force in kids’ entertainment. Her instincts for creating content and experiences that kids love have been vital to the brand’s success around the world,” Bob Bakish, president and CEO of Viacom, said in a Monday media release. “Looking to the future, we are excited to build on this strong foundation as we continue to evolve the business and connect with young audiences in new and innovative ways. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Cyma for her leadership and wish her every success.”
Also Read: Why Mark Steines Is No Longer Hallmark...
Viacom Media Networks COO Sarah Levy will lead Nick on interim basis as the company searches for Zarghami’s permanent replacement.
“Over the course of her career, Cyma has played an integral role in growing Nickelodeon into the dominant force in kids’ entertainment. Her instincts for creating content and experiences that kids love have been vital to the brand’s success around the world,” Bob Bakish, president and CEO of Viacom, said in a Monday media release. “Looking to the future, we are excited to build on this strong foundation as we continue to evolve the business and connect with young audiences in new and innovative ways. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Cyma for her leadership and wish her every success.”
Also Read: Why Mark Steines Is No Longer Hallmark...
- 6/4/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
It's the end of the Cyma Zarghami era at Viacom.
The conglomerate on Monday announced that Zarghami, a 30-year-plus Viacom veteran, is stepping down from her post as president of the Nickelodeon Group. As the company searches for a full-time replacement, Viacom Media Networks COO Sarah Levy will take over the kids-focused brand in an interim role.
"Over the course of her career, Cyma has played an integral role in growing Nickelodeon into the dominant force in kids’ entertainment," Viacom CEO Bob Bakish said in a statement. "Her instincts for creating content and experiences that kids ...
The conglomerate on Monday announced that Zarghami, a 30-year-plus Viacom veteran, is stepping down from her post as president of the Nickelodeon Group. As the company searches for a full-time replacement, Viacom Media Networks COO Sarah Levy will take over the kids-focused brand in an interim role.
"Over the course of her career, Cyma has played an integral role in growing Nickelodeon into the dominant force in kids’ entertainment," Viacom CEO Bob Bakish said in a statement. "Her instincts for creating content and experiences that kids ...
Pamela Kaufman has been promotoed to the new role of President, Viacom/Nickelodeon Global Consumer Products, with global oversight of the consumer products business across Viacom Media Networks and Paramount Pictures.
Kaufman will lead worldwide licensing and merchandising and focus on maximizing Viacom’s portfolio of brands and franchise properties, including Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants; MTV’s Jersey Shore: Family Vacation; Comedy Central’s South Park; and Paramount Pictures’ The Godfather and Grease, among others. She will report to Cyma Zarghami, President of Nickelodeon, and David Lynn, President and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks.
“Expanding and diversifying our consumer products businesses around the world is a key strategic initiative that will help drive Viacom’s future growth,” said Bob Bakish, President and CEO of Viacom. “The exceptional leadership and vision Pam has demonstrated at Nickelodeon make her a natural fit for this exciting new position,...
Kaufman will lead worldwide licensing and merchandising and focus on maximizing Viacom’s portfolio of brands and franchise properties, including Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob SquarePants; MTV’s Jersey Shore: Family Vacation; Comedy Central’s South Park; and Paramount Pictures’ The Godfather and Grease, among others. She will report to Cyma Zarghami, President of Nickelodeon, and David Lynn, President and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks.
“Expanding and diversifying our consumer products businesses around the world is a key strategic initiative that will help drive Viacom’s future growth,” said Bob Bakish, President and CEO of Viacom. “The exceptional leadership and vision Pam has demonstrated at Nickelodeon make her a natural fit for this exciting new position,...
- 5/21/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Cowabunga, dude. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is about to get a reboot at Nickelodeon, where the network is ready to introduce the characters to a new generation of viewers, one of several venerable properties the network is reviving. And the net knows this generation of kids will want new things from these series.
“In order to reach [our audience] we’re going to have to use our entire ecosystem,” says Cyma Zarghami, president of Nickelodeon Group. “And our ecosystem includes some social, some digital, a relationship with our retail and toy partners, so we have the ability to mobilize the scope of our business to help make something successful. It’s a different vision of prioritization now that we have so many more tools now.”
The re-imagined turtles will appear in “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” a 2D-animated series co-executive produced by Andy Suriano, who previously did character design for “Samurai Jack,...
“In order to reach [our audience] we’re going to have to use our entire ecosystem,” says Cyma Zarghami, president of Nickelodeon Group. “And our ecosystem includes some social, some digital, a relationship with our retail and toy partners, so we have the ability to mobilize the scope of our business to help make something successful. It’s a different vision of prioritization now that we have so many more tools now.”
The re-imagined turtles will appear in “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” a 2D-animated series co-executive produced by Andy Suriano, who previously did character design for “Samurai Jack,...
- 5/8/2018
- by Karen Idelson
- Variety Film + TV
Bookending its hour-long pitch to ad buyers with musical numbers from the hit Broadway adaptation of SpongeBob SquarePants, Nickelodeon leaned into the familiar and promised to open the content throttle. "Despite increased competition and seismic change in the industry, Nickelodeon remains the No. 1 home to the biggest hits on TV," said Cyma Zarghami, president of the Nickelodeon Group, from the Palace Theatre stage. “And it is important to note that the lion’s share of…...
- 3/7/2018
- Deadline TV
Viacom shares nosedived more than 8.5% in early trading this morning despite some news nuggets in its quarterly call with analysts designed to excite investors about CEO Bob Bakish’s effort to revive the company. Nickelodeon chief Cyma Zarghami says that “there will definitely be another SpongeBob movie.” And the company says that its deal with Shanghai Film Group and Hua Hua Media to invest $1 billion in Paramount’s movie slate is done with execution “on track.” It could…...
- 5/4/2017
- Deadline TV
Nickelodeon is bringing technology to the forefront with the launch of its Burbank-based Nickelodeon Entertainment Lab. "Our Entertainment Lab is a way to give our artists and creators access to innovative tools to inspire new ways to tell stories for the next generation of kids," said Cyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon Group. "We are working with technology partners, gaming and visual effects companies and our own creators to bring our IP to new platforms, in new…...
- 5/2/2017
- Deadline TV
Matt Edwards Mar 3, 2017
Nickelodeon has announced it will be launching a brand new 2D Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon in 2018...
After the box office disappointment on last year's feature film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, and with the current Turtles cartoon expected to finish once it reaches the end of its fifth season, uncertainty has hung over the future of the franchise. Nickelodeon has now announced Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which will air in the Us in the Autumn next year. We’ll bring you a UK date once we get it.
See related Revisiting Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves at 25 Doctor Who series 8: Robot Of Sherwood review What next for Saturday night UK family drama?
Our colleagues over at Den of Geek Us ran this synopsis.
‘Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will follow Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo on...
Nickelodeon has announced it will be launching a brand new 2D Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon in 2018...
After the box office disappointment on last year's feature film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, and with the current Turtles cartoon expected to finish once it reaches the end of its fifth season, uncertainty has hung over the future of the franchise. Nickelodeon has now announced Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which will air in the Us in the Autumn next year. We’ll bring you a UK date once we get it.
See related Revisiting Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves at 25 Doctor Who series 8: Robot Of Sherwood review What next for Saturday night UK family drama?
Our colleagues over at Den of Geek Us ran this synopsis.
‘Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will follow Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo on...
- 3/3/2017
- Den of Geek
Nick Jr. is gearing up to introduce their newest powerhouse princess, Nella — a tiny, but courageous royal who occasionally turns into a knight to save the day (or night!).
Unlike many princesses before her, Nella the Princess Knight appears to be of blended ethnicity. She’s also a pint-sized spitfire (no damsel in distress here). And, according to Nickelodeon Group President Cyma Zarghami, she stands for everything our world needs.
“This is hopefully representative of what our country actually does look like,” Zarghami tells People. “I think that we are telling authentic stories about real kids and real families — even...
Unlike many princesses before her, Nella the Princess Knight appears to be of blended ethnicity. She’s also a pint-sized spitfire (no damsel in distress here). And, according to Nickelodeon Group President Cyma Zarghami, she stands for everything our world needs.
“This is hopefully representative of what our country actually does look like,” Zarghami tells People. “I think that we are telling authentic stories about real kids and real families — even...
- 2/6/2017
- by Christina Dugan
- PEOPLE.com
TV Land has promoted Keith Cox to President, Development and Production, from his most recent role as Evp Development and Original Programming. Cox will continue to be based in Los Angeles and report to Cyma Zarghami, President of Viacom's Kids and Family Group, which includes TV Land, Cmt and Nickelodeon. Cox follows Larry Jones in the position, with a slightly different title. Jones exited a year and a half ago as TV Land president amid Viacom’s restructuring. As one of…...
- 9/14/2016
- Deadline TV
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