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Channel Closure: WildEarth Will Stop Airing On DStv By The End Of April, Freeview And ROKU Might Follow Soon

WildEarth is an interactive wildlife channel which brings viewers closer to nature with live safaris within the hotspot of Africa. Founded i...

Showing posts with label Kartoon Channel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kartoon Channel. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Kartoon Studios Announces Significant Increase in Content Production Planned for 2024

Kartoon Studios announces a significant increase in content production and development planned for 2024 for the Company’s Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Networks, Mainframe Studios, as well as major broadcasters and streamers, including Netflix, Disney Channel, and others. The Company has also appointed Gregg Goldin, former creative executive at DreamWorks Animation, Cartoon Network and MTV, to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Development & Production.

Kartoon Studios kicks off 2024 with a roster of properties in production and/or development, including Stan Lee’s Cosmic Crusaders and three series for Frederator Networks: Land of Boggs; Chikn’ Nuggit, in partnership with BuzzFeed Animation Lab; and an adult animated comedy series in partnership with Wheelhouse DNA, starring internet sensation Adam W, who was named one of “The 20 Most Influential Creators” by Rolling Stone Magazine with over 50 million followers across his channels.

Goldin joins Kartoon Studios with over twenty years of experience in animation and live-action content development and production, overseeing highly successful movies and series across multiple genres, including DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster franchises How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, and Fast & Furious. In this new role, Goldin will be responsible for heading up development and production for both new and original IP to deliver to the marketplace. Goldin will report jointly to Kartoon Studios’ Chairman & CEO Andy Heyward and COO Michael Jaffa.

Brian Parisi, Chief Financial Officer, commented, “We have significantly streamlined our operations and have built a highly scalable infrastructure. With the increase in content production and other initiatives to be announced in early 2024 to drive revenue, we are well on our way to achieving our goal of sustained profitability. It should be noted that our streaming service Kartoon Channel! achieved break even in 2023, only three years after launch, and is expected to move to profitability in 2024, alongside Netflix. Kartoon Channel! continues to dominate the User Rankings in the Apple app store among all services delivering kids’ content.”

Andy Heyward noted, “As we enter a significant phase of growth in our development and production pipeline this year, with productions in the works for our Kartoon Channel! and Frederator Networks, we are thrilled to welcome a creative executive with Gregg’s pedigree to drive our content business. He has managed the development of some of the industry’s most successful franchises while at DreamWorks and Cartoon Network, and he will be an invaluable asset as we continue to build our IP catalog for global distribution. As Kartoon Channel achieved breakeven this last year, and drives to enhance profitability in 2024, Gregg will be pivotal in fueling the service with top tier content, as he did so successfully for DreamWorks Animation at Netflix.”

“Andy has made enormous contributions to the animation industry over the years, and I’m thrilled to work with him and the team at Kartoon Studios as we significantly ramp up over the next couple of years with new IP coming to market,” stated Goldin.

Goldin joins Kartoon Studios following a ten-year tenure at DreamWorks Animation where he served as Vice President of Current Series, overseeing multiple series in production. In this capacity, he also generated and pitched show presentations to marketing, franchise partners, publishers, retail buyers and network/streamers, facilitating new series launches and providing opportunities for consumer product programs.

Prior to DreamWorks Animation, Goldin guided the development and production of live-action and animated series and pilots at Cartoon Network, as well as a slate of original made-for-TV movies for seven years as Director of Development, Current & Original Series. Projects included two Ben 10 live-action features and Scooby-Doo prequel movies, among others. Previously, he served as Director of Development at MTV Films, contributing to the development and production of a robust slate of feature films, including Crossroads (Britney Spears), Jackass: The Movie, Save the Last Dance (Julia Stiles), Aeon Flux (Charlize Theron) and Fighting Temptations (Beyoncé).

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Kartoon Channel To Rollout Brand New Series, Chikn Nuggit


Through its Frederator Network subsidiary, Genius Brands International, Inc. (NASDAQ: GNUS until June 26th after which the company rebrands to Kartoon Studios and trades on the NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) and BuzzFeed (NASDAQ: BZFD) to develop the latest animated series, Chikn Nuggit, as part of the companies’ exclusive first-look content deal announced earlier this year.


Frederator Network and BuzzFeed’s Animation Lab will develop a premium content series for digital hit Chikn Nuggit based on the original shorts created by Kyra Kupetsky. With over 1 billion views to date on social platforms, Chikn Nuggit is a gender-inclusive, online animated comedy series about a weird, long-eared dog named Chikn Nuggit and his fast-food-named friends. The shorts have attained the a
doration of millions of fans worldwide for their sweet and surreal adventures and comedic, adorable antics. Chikn Nuggit premiered in October 2020 on TikTok, Twitter and Instagram and has since amassed over 300 short-form videos and over 8 million followers.


Frederator Director of Development Isabel Schultz will head global content sales. In addition, Genius Brands’ consumer products’ division will develop the Chikn Nuggit retail program and a full IP slate in close partnership with BuzzFeed Animation Lab.


Michael Hirsh, CEO of WOW! Unlimited Media, the parent company of Frederator Network, stated: “We are pleased further to expand our roster of original animated series with BuzzFeed, giving the global fans of wildly popular IP, such as Chikn Nuggit, more of what they love.”


Zee Myers, Head of BuzzFeed Animation Lab, commented: “Millions of fans have let us know that they need the Chikn Nuggit animated series! We can’t wait to continue expanding our content universe for our global community in partnership with Frederator, a pioneer in animation and television.”


Saturday, June 17, 2023

Genius Brands International Becomes Kartoon Studios

US-based children’s entertainment company Genius Brands International has changed its name to Kartoon Studios and will transfer its listing from the Nasdaq Capital Market to the NYSE American exchange.

The LA-headquartered studio, which owns the rights to certain IP created by comic book writer and Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee, said the move heralds the label’s “next phase of growth” in the production, distribution and licensing of kids’ content.

The rebrand comes after the company has made several acquisitions over the past year, including taking a majority stake in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment, plus acquiring Canada’s Wow! Unlimited Media and its subsidiaries Frederator Studios, Frederator Network and Mainframe Entertainment.

“We now have capabilities to do everything in-house, from content creation to production, distribution and global merchandising,” said Andy Heyward, Kartoon Studios chairman and CEO.

Kartoon Studios produces content such as Shaq’s Garage for Pluto TV and Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten for its own Kartoon Channel.

The company caused controversy earlier this year for using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to make shows like Kidaverse Fast Facts. As reported by C21, some children’s TV producers blasted the development as “horrifying” and “downright scary,” but the company defended the use of AI as a “digital assistant.”

Monday, April 10, 2023

Recap To The Month: Starsat Welcomes Replacement To FOX, DreamWorks, Investigation Discovery, Real Time And More

For several years, StarSat has lost out on a variety of channels including FOX, Discovery Family, Soul Music, TLNovelas, Tshwane TV and OnseTV. Not long ago, the pay-tv platform unveiled 4 channels: FilmBox Action, CBS Reality, CBS Justice and Kartoon Channel.

In 2021, The Walt Disney Company ceased distribution of the general entertainment brand, FOX. Home to shows now seen on Disney+ Star such as How I Met Your Mother, The Walking Dead which recently made its freemium debut on eXposed and The Simpsons.

FilmBox Action (channel 140) is a channel dedicated to the action genre basically catering to the same target audience and group as FOX with classic Hollywood films, spectacular series from the US, Europe, and Asia, and modern heart-pounding blockbusters.

Following FOX's demise is Warner Bros. Discovery's factual and lifestyle offering including Discovery Family, Fine Living, Discovery Science, Real Time and Investigation Discovery part of which still remain on DStv while others are viewed on other African platforms.

CBS Reality (channel 170) offers captivating television guaranteed to shock and entertain. It features one of the most beloved TV personalities, the queen of the courtroom herself: Judge Judy. Other great shows include the ever-popular Cheaters.

CBS Justice (channel 222) is for true-crime lovers. Nothing is scarier than a true story, and this channel has some of the best: from glamourous offences by the rich and famous to passion killings by the guy next door. Both CBS channels make up for these 5 brands.

Lastly, DreamWorks owned by NBCUniversal was scrapped from the platform after two years and at the time pay-tv platform was on a cutting spree. Of course, there's was no reason for the sudden dismal all that is known is it's existence through the DStv platform.

Kartoon Channel (channel 304) entertains kids aged two to ten. Wonderfully entertaining children’s shows are played daily, with family-friendly movies over the weekends. From Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten and Angry Birds to Peppa Pig.

Compared to the likes of DStv, StarSat implemented a price freeze meaning consumers will recieve more entertainment at the exact same price on top of a reward incentive for loyal Special Package subscribers wishing to upgrade to Super.

To help bolster the value of StarSat’s mid-tier offering, StarSat will be graduating four channels to the Super Package: Manchester United TV (channel 252), Real Madrid TV (channel 254), MSNBC (channel 263), and Fashion TV Africa (channel 282).

Despite the efforts, StarSat wasn't prepared to have their feed of Russia Today cut off joining another channel which went dark on the platform in 2023, Glow TV. The pay-tv platform hopes to welcome more channels in the current financial year.

Friday, April 7, 2023

New Series Alert: Kartoon Channel! Announces Premiere Of Shaquille O’Neal's ‘Shaq’s Garage’


The animated action-adventure comedy follows the Shaq PA, a family of vehicles inspired by the NBA Champion’s love of cars, as they go on missions to help the community; Pluto TV debut coming June 5.


Genius Brands International has announced Kartoon Channel!’s premiere of the new kids’ animated action-adventure comedy series, Shaq’s Garage, starring and executive produced by Shaquille O’Neal. Genius Brands will debut all 26 episodes exclusively June 5 on Kartoon Channel! on Pluto TV.   


Shaq’s Garage stars O’Neal, four-time NBA champion, rap impresario, and global icon, as both himself and one of the show’s main vehicle characters, Biggie D. According to Genius Brands, the series, inspired by O’Neal’s real-life love of cars, features his “family” of cars, known as the Shaq PA, as they go on various missions to help others and do good in their hometown community of Ollanta and beyond! The Shaq PA is a funny and diverse cast of 10 different characters, including the Grenoble, voiced by NFL Superbowl champion Rob Gronkowski.  



A variety of companion content, influencer collaborations and a comprehensive social marketing campaign across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok will support the premiere. Additionally, Genius Brands will develop a full-scale consumer products retail program for the show.


O’Neal stated, “I am thrilled that our hard work over the past couple of years is finally coming to fruition with our new series. I am extremely proud of what we have created, and I am looking forward to inspiring kids all over the world with Shaq’s Garage.”


“We are thrilled that Kartoon Channel! is partnering with Pluto TV to premiere the first season of Shaq’s Garage, which embodies the value-driven content we seek to create at Genius Brands,” stated Todd Steinman, President of Genius Networks. “I’m delighted that Shaq’s vision for the series has been realized. The show offers action, adventure, and comedy through positive messaging and quality role models. We are excited to offer this unique series to both kids and their families around the country.”


Monday, January 30, 2023

Roundups #135: Genius Brands Rolls Out A Music Division, A Rebroadcast Of Die Put Makes Way To e.tv's Line-up And Chaos Reigns At BBC News Ahead Of Merger With BBC World News

Kartoon Channel becomes a music division

Genius Music, which launched this month, already has a library of more than 8,000 tracks stemming from its own original brands and also from IPs it has inherited through recent acquisitions of companies including WOW! Unlimited Media and Your Family Entertainment.

According to a release, Genius Music plans to distribute and license these assets on streaming channels and music platforms. One of its first projects will be to develop and monetize original music for animated series Shaq’s Garage (co-produced with Ireland’s Telegael), which is slated to premiere on GB’s Kartoon Channel!

Former Saban Brands music supervisor Juan Carlos Quintero will oversee the division and serve as an executive music producer, with an eye towards making new content that spans a variety of genres. Quintero brings more than 20 years of experience as a music producer/composer with him to Genius Music, having managed production music libraries for companies including Warner Chappell, Café Moondo, Megatrax and 5 Alarm Music. And during an eight-year stint at Saban Brands, he worked on kids brands such as Power Rangers, Digimon and Popples.

Regular Nick:
- Operation Ouch returns for a new season on Da Vinci Kids
- Several Cartoonito domains have been registered
February on Disney Channel and Junior
New Bear Grylls series is coming soon to Da Vinci Kids

More drugs and violence is coming to e.tv

Directed by Sinan Öztürk, it is an acclaimed series with four seasons completed. Die Put is set in the dangerous Istanbul neighbourhood Çukur and revolves around a ruling mafia family and a prodigal son who needs to return home to save his family. Of course, there is also a beautiful girl and some romance in addition to the drama, danger and family secrets.

Viewers can expect a gripping first season of Die Put, with the Koçova family (a family that is often closely related to crime) that rules the neighbourhood of Çukur. The Koçovas have their own set of rules and one of these is that drugs cannot be produced, used or sold in Çukur.

In the series, the newcomer, Vartolu is determined to break the ban and after his initial attempts to negotiate with the Koçova family is rejected, he attacks the family and the neighbourhood. But, just as he thinks he has broken the Koçova family and brought them to their knees, something unexpected happens.

Openview Plus:
- eExtra scrapped the launch of 4 telenovelas
Verdeelde Liefde to return with a second season on eExtra
Imbewu has been cancelled on e.tv after 5 seasons
A look at former NBC soap, Passions

More cuts awaiting the new version of BBC World News

In three months’ time, BBC World News and BBC News Channel are due to complete their merger to create a single service for audiences in the UK and around the world. But, according to BBC sources speaking to The Sunday Times, the service could end up with “the softest launch, so as to be indiscernible”.

Under the BBC’s proposals, the new TV news service would offer opt-outs for viewers in the UK, carrying simulcasts of news programmes on BBC One and BBC Two. Outside of these simulcasts, the BBC is due to retain a back-up facility allowing the channel to breakout of the international schedule to show UK-specific breaking news.

The report cites sources within the BBC who say bosses are not able to say how this break-out stream will work. Staff fear the service will be under-resourced. On the new service, presenters will be expected to manually work the autocue.

Thursday, January 19, 2023

How Kartoon Channel Will Likely Launch On The DStv Platform If Considered?

Kartoon Channel is a kids channel operated by SPI International which serves a division for Canal+ that airs quality animations including Angry Birds, Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten, Rainbow Light Brigade, Om's Story and Barbie's Dog Adventure.

With a core audience of 2 - 10 yrs, Kartoon Channel aims at providing family entertainment content, the program scheduling fully considers the activity time for children of all ages. Every weekend, family and children movies will also be broadcasted.

The channel's parent company as reported had finalised a multimillion dollar deal with TOHO International for critically-acclaimed series, Bee and PuppyCat, Frederator’s pop culture phenomenon Bravest Warriors, and the upcoming series Catbug, based on the popular character in the Bravest Warriors’ series.

As some readers are already aware of the condition with its carrier, StarSat. It's basically a ticking time bomb after closing about 30+ channels in a short span of time with replacements failing to materialize 90% of the time and that 10% taking the plunge part of the time.

Insidus Games:
- Powerpuff Girls Snowboarding
- Baby Felix Halloween
- Looney Tunes Monster Match
- Thor: The Dark World

You got to wonder whether Kartoon Channel would end up like DreamWorks which too was exclusive to the platform before getting scrapped after two years and eventually rolling out on the DStv platform.

As mentioned a while ago, Kartoon Channel aside from StarSat was rumoured to rollout in two other platforms one of which were MultiChoice's DStv but here's the problem regarding that matter.

MultiChoice has been facing transponder constraints almost like when your storage space is almost full so you have rid yourself of useless items in order to make space for more furniture which was the case for last year as Tellytrack, Lifetime, Novela Magic and MTV Hits fell prey to that matter.

And I'm not saying that Kartoon Channel will be another placeholder but with the current scenario facing several other brands on the platform. It wouldn't be shocking if it were fortunate enough to rollout once another channel closes.

Taking to account which channels are likely closing or might be on the chopping block

1. Disney Channel and Disney Junior
The Walt Disney Company is planning to close more international channels with Africa set to lose these channels sometime in 2024 as more content is available to stream on Disney+.

We're not saying MultiChoice will use Kartoon Channel as leverage for two channels but the replacement will likely be independent and not become another Nicktoons so the likelihood just like Cartoon Network it might as well offer preschool shows.

Regular Nick:
- Could Universal Kids be the next channel to close down from NBCUniversal?
Here are other ways to view PBS Kids
The Twisted Timeline Of Sammy And Raj coming soon to Nickelodeon
Predictions: Nicktoons and Boomerang's untimely demise

2. JimJam
AMC International has been making some major cutbacks in staff and this is due to the fact that most consumers would rather watch Wednesday on Netflix as opposed to repeats of Judge Judy on CBS Reality.

Not long ago, the CBS brand name was phased in most of their property in the UK. It wouldn't be surprising if they were some cutting down for this preschool brand as it hasn't been all that productive during the years.

3. Nicktoons
Kind of like AMC International, even Paramount is reducing staff for a similar reason people are exhausted of watching the entire 12 seasons of The Big Bang Theory on Comedy Central. So what better than reducing the amount of localised feeds or variations.

Compared to Nick Jr, Nicktoons hasn't been as productive as some viewers may think as the channel schedule mainly consists of cancelled series Horrid Henry, The Casagrandes and likely Middlemost Post with trashfest Best & Bester getting burnt off.

Another channel MultiChoice and Paramount might as well chop the finger.

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Genius Brands Expands International Market Launches For Kartoon Channel! Worldwide

Continuing to build the global footprint of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide, Genius Brands International, Inc. has signed a deal with China’s StarTimes to launch the rapidly growing Kartoon Channel! on January 31st on DTH satellite and digital terrestrial in South Africa and in 46 countries throughout the Sub-Saharan African region.

The brand new 24/7 Kartoon Channel!, dedicated to Africa, will be available to all StarTimes customers in the basic tier on DTH satellite and digital terrestrial: channel 304 on satellite and channel 357 on DTT (276 in Uganda). Kartoon Channel! Africa will offer exclusive and first run series that have proven popular with kids and families, including Genius Brands’ originals “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Rainbow Rangers,” “Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab,” and “Llama Llama,” starring Jennifer Garner and based on the bestselling children’s book franchise. The channel will also feature family-friendly movies on the weekends such as “Stan Lee’s Mighty 7,” “Ella Bella Bingo,” “Toys and Pets,” and “Boonie Bears.”

Insidus Games:
Powerpuff Girls Snowboarding
Baby Felix Halloween
Looney Tunes Monster Match
Thor: The Dark World

Additionally, Kartoon Channel! Africa will internationally premier the recently announced new 10-episode elimination-style competition reality series and accompanying Roblox Game Experiences for children, Kidaverse Roblox* Rumble. Hosted by TV personality and former NFL star, Rashad Jennings, the series will air as part of a games-branded programming block on weekday afternoons.

“We continue to build the global presence of Kartoon Channel! by creating unique partnerships, and we are delighted and honored to work with StarTimes to bring Kartoon Channel! to African kids and families in 2023. Our family-friendly brand values and safe environment deliver the perfect recipe to entertain and inform kids via characters and shows they adore. We are just getting started in growing Kartoon Channel! as a preeminent children’s entertainment destination worldwide,” stated President of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide Paul Robinson.

“We are thrilled to launch a channel throughout Africa that offers such a diverse line-up of programming for children 2 – 12-years-old and their families.  With safe, value-driven content across multiple genres, we anticipate Kartoon Channel! to be a hit across the region, and look forward to working with Genius Brands in the coming years to bring a unique entertainment experience to our young audiences across the region,” said General Manager of StarTimes Media Lily Meng.

Kartoon Channel! is currently available in key territories around the world, including Australia and New Zealand (Samsung TV Plus), Germany (Waipu), and the Philippines (Tapp Digital). Kartoon Channel! branded blocks are also currently available in 65 countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Regular Nick:
Could Universal Kids be the next channel to close down from NBCUniversal?
Here are other ways to view PBS Kids
The Twisted Timeline Of Sammy And Raj coming soon to Nickelodeon
Predictions: Nicktoons and Boomerang's untimely demise

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Roundups #128: Dungeon And Dragons TV Series Has Been Ordered By Paramount+, Kartoon Channel Greenlit New Roblox Inspired Reality Series And Plot Synopsis For HBO Max Upcoming Series Velma Scares Away Potential Viewers

Another video game is getting a TV adaptation

Paramount+ has given an eight-episode, straight-to-series order to an adaptation of Hasbro’s wildly popular Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game franchise. Red Notice filmmaker Rawson Marshall Thurber wrote the pilot script and is set to direct the first episode of the series which will be a co-production between eOne and Paramount Pictures.

eOne, the lead studio, took the project out in November, garnering interest from multiple buyers, with Paramount+ ultimately landing the show in a competitive situation. eOne and Paramount Pictures are partnering on the Dungeons & Dragons series after also co-producing and co-financing the upcoming Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves movie directed by Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley, which premieres March 31.

At Paramount+, the Dungeons & Dragons series will join Halo, the video game adaptation, which is one of the streamer’s most popular originals. Over the last couple of years, there has been a resurgence in bringing gaming titles to television, and this is the latest example.

Insidus Games:
- Powerpuff Girls Snowboarding
- Baby Felix Halloween
- Looney Tunes Monster Match
- Thor: The Dark World

Roblox TV series is coming to Kartoon Channel

Aimed at tweens, Kidaverse Roblox Rumble (10 eps between eight and 15 minutes long) will follow a group of contestants ages eight to 12 as they compete for a grand prize of US$1,000.

The kids must avoid getting eliminated in each round by winning a variety of physical games, including everything from an arctic obstacle course, to a dune buggy race. GBI will also turn these offline challenges into Roblox games.

Former NFL star Rashad Jennings (pictured) will host the series, which should launch on GBI’s Kartoon Channel! later this year. Jennings is an avid gamer himself, and the author of The Coin Slot Chronicles, a kids book series published by Zonderkidz. 

Regular Nick:
- Could Universal Kids be the next channel to close down from NBCUniversal?
Here are other ways to view PBS Kids
The Twisted Timeline Of Sammy And Raj coming soon to Nickelodeon
Predictions: Nicktoons and Boomerang's untimely demise

Velma is receiving criticism from several Scooby-Doo fans

HBO Max’s latest adult-oriented animation Velma will be premiering on Jan. 12 and fans of the Mystery Inc. Gang have been anticipating the Scooby Doo gang origin story (minus the mystery-solving dog). The show is executive produced by Mindy Kaling of The Office and The Mindy Project fame and the star will voice the near-sighted main character as she forms relationships with the rest of the Scooby crew. As the show’s premiere date draws closer, Velma‘s plot synopsis is making the rounds on social media and even the most diehard Scooby fans are not impressed.

A tweet by @LightsCameraPod shared the synopsis, describing it as “certainly something.” Twitter users evidently agreed and quickly began roasting the synopsis which reads as follows:

“At Crystal Cove High School, Daphne (Constance Wu) is a popular mean girl orphan who deals drugs because of a dark family secret. Her boyfriend Fred (Glenn Howerton) personifies mediocre white richness. His mansion holds a dark secret — and he has teeny widdle privates, a subject of much conversation. “Shaggy” has become Norville (Sam Richardson), a school-newspaper striver friendzoned by his beloved Velma. He worries he’s a beta male; remember that lame humor concept from 20 years ago?”

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

New Channel Alert: FilmBox Action And Kartoon Channel Coming Soon To StarSat With Qwest TV On DStv

For several years, StarTimes has been losing a bouquet of premium international channels ranging from The Smithsonian Channel, Love Nature, DreamWorks, Real Time and Investigation Discovery with the much needed alternatives almost nowhere in site.

Now the pay-tv platform seems to be picking up the cracks as they unveiled two new channels for their consumers: FilmBox Action and Kartoon Channel.

FilmBox Action is a general entertainment channel basically SPI International's version of M-Net Movies 2 and KIX with a limited amount of series. Some of the stars include Steven Seagal, Jason Statham, Bruce Willis, Al Pacino and many others from U.S. and global.

StarSat:
- The Smithsonian Channel closing down in the UK
Delayed SABC channel launch on StarSat explained
Russia Today to launch South African hub
StarSat trying to be DStv friendly

Kartoon Channel is an kids entertainment channel and not to be mistaken for Cartoon Network. It is owned by Genius Brands International with its core audience being 2-12 years with content like Angry Birds, Stan Lee's Superhero Kindergarten and Rainbow Light Brigade.

FilmBox Action is allocated on channel 140 on the Smart bouquet while Kartoon Channel on 307 and on the Basic package on channel 358. There's no confirmation on whether this includes the South African feed but it might as well launch.

As outlined, StarSat across Africa lost a bouquet of channels and FilmBox Action in a way helps the lossen the pain left by FOX which was scrapped by The Walt Disney Company internationally while Kartoon Channel might as well be a replacement for DreamWorks.

DStv:
- MultiChoice might lose yet another two channels
Could Russia Today be removed from the DStv platform?
Qwest TV coming soon to Showmax
eMedia's 4 channels to go dark on the DStv platform

In other developments, MultiChoice will be allocating their first channel later in the month titled Qwest TV which has been in development for several months owned by multi award winning artist Quincy Jones is Jazz infused channel.

It was unveiled alongside Moonbug Kids at the DStv Showcase, according to sources it was meant to launch last year but for some reason that never happened so it's gearing up for an early 2023 to replace MTV Hits in South Africa and serve as an additional channel everywhere else. Qwest TV is said to be accompanied alongside another channel sources won't share.

Disclosure: Kartoon Channel was also rumoured to launch on another platform alongside DStv.

Thursday, January 5, 2023

Kartoon Channel's Parent Company Acquire 50% Ownership in Select Content and Consumer Products From Genius Brands’ Frederator Network

Genius Brands International, Inc., through its WOW! Unlimited Media subsidiary, Frederator Network, today announced it has completed a deal with TOHO International, a subsidiary of one of the largest media companies in Japan, whereby TOHO International is making a multimillion-dollar investment to acquire a 50% stake in two of the Company’s original productions, the critically-acclaimed series, Bee and PuppyCat, following its successful launch on Netflix, Frederator’s pop culture phenomenon Bravest Warriors, and the upcoming series Catbug, based on the popular character created in the Bravest Warriors’ series.

The deal provides a framework for Genius Brands’ Frederator Network and TOHO International to co-produce new content for the properties and cooperatively develop a global consumer products campaign. Genius Brands will oversee global distribution and consumer products development for the properties, excluding Asia, which will be handled by TOHO International. Additionally, a dedicated online store for Bee and PuppyCat launched in September 2022, to coincide with the series release on Netflix.

Genius Brands’ consumer products’ team will develop a consumer products retail program for Bravest Warriors, Bee and PuppyCat and Catbug, excluding Asia, which will be handled by TOHO International.

Regular Nick:
- Here are other ways to view PBS Kids
The Twisted Timeline Of Sammy And Raj coming soon to Nickelodeon
Predictions: Nicktoons and Boomerang's untimely demise
Avatar to return with new animated series on Nickelodeon

Michael Hirsh, CEO of WOW! Unlimited Media, parent company of Frederator Network, stated: “Demand for quality animated content is greater than ever, and yet we recognize the importance of delivering productions that can stand out and provide enduring value. As illustration, I’m proud to report that the LA Times recently voted Bee and PuppyCat as one of the “20 shows our TV experts are most excited to watch this fall.” In fact, the sneak peek trailer of Bee and PuppyCat achieved over 2 million views within 24 hours and has successfully launched on Netflix. At Frederator, our mission is to foster the creativity of content creators and give them a platform to get their projects seen. We are thrilled that our productions, Bravest Warriors, Bee and PuppyCat and Catbug, are now attracting a global audience. Our partnership with Toho will allow us to further expand the reach of these two series, both in terms of distribution and upcoming consumer products.”

Hiro Matsuoka, President of Toho Co., Ltd, commented: “This new deal aligns with our long-term strategy, as we build a more effective system for distribution and licensing of our own IP. We have seen the tremendous global popularity of Bravest Warriors and the growth of Bee and PuppyCat, as well as the growing popularity of Catbug along with the overall Western Anime genre. With our production resources and distribution capabilities across Asia, complementing Genius Brands and Frederators’ expansive network in key markets around the world, we anticipate these two properties will continue to develop a global fan base as we introduce new content and merchandise.”

Andy Heyward, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Genius Brands, commented: “This transaction is a huge privilege for us at Genius Brands to now partner with the pre-eminent media company in Japan, and their visionary management. We believe it is a further validation of our strategic acquisition of WOW! Unlimited Media and their impressive portfolio of original content, which we can then migrate to the streamers, our own Kartoon Channel,! and media platforms around the world.”

From its start as a 2-part, 10-minute short on Frederator Networks that became an immediate hit amassing millions of views on YouTube, to a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign to launch the new Bee and PuppyCat series on Netflix, fans and critics have driven the breakout success of Bee and PuppyCat, with over 2.5M fans across all social channels. Created by Natasha Allegri (“Adventure Time”) and produced by Frederator Network (“Adventure Time” and “Castlevania”), the series’ first full season premiered on September 6 as a Netflix series. Bee and PuppyCat follows a twenty-something temp worker named Bee and her mysterious companion PuppyCat as the two travel on fantastic adventures across space while taking on various intergalactic odd jobs to help make rent.

Insidus Games:
Tom And Jerry: Infurnal Escape
Tom And Jerry: The Magic Ring
The Wild Thornberrys Movie
The Wild Thornberrys: Chimp Chase

Created by Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time) and headed by showrunner Breehn Burns, Bravest Warriors tells the story of four teenage heroes-for-hire in the year 3085, as they warp through the universe to save adorable aliens and their worlds using the power of their emotions. Launched on YouTube in November 2012, the series rapidly grew an impressive and dedicated online fan base earning 250 million views, three million likes, and over a billion minutes watched. Bravest Warriors was the 2013 Shorty Award winner for Best Web Show and the Online Film and Video (Animation) Honoree at The Webby Awards in 2015.

The Catbug character was created by Breehn Burns and featured in the Frederator Network’s digital series Bravest Warriors. Catbug is growing rapidly into a viral, pop cultural phenomenon across social media platforms--YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter—with videos featuring Catbug achieving over 200 million views to date and counting. Additionally, over 200 million GIFs have been created for Catbug on Giphy.

Friday, June 17, 2022

Genius Brands Expanded Kartoon Channel! Worldwide’s Global Footprint With Launch of “Kartoon Genius” Branded Blocks Across Latin America, the Middle East & North Africa, Could Africa Follow Suit On DStv Or StarSat?

Leveraging its strategic investment in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG (“YFE”) (FRA:RTV), to expand the Kartoon Channel! global footprint, Genius Brands International, Inc. (NASDAQ: GNUS) announced the launch of the new Kartoon Channel! Worldwide programming block, “Kartoon Genius,” across Latin America and the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region, reaching 67 countries.

The Kartoon Genius two-hour, Monday - Friday programming block airs across the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region on the pan-regional linear Pay TV channel fully dubbed in Arabic and English. As of March 7, the programming block debuted throughout Central & South America as a linear channel, offering content in Spanish and English languages.

The Kartoon Genius programming blocks offer first-run original content on these platforms and deliver positive entertainment for children and families, underscored by safety and enrichment. Series on the programming block line-up include Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, Llama Llama, Rainbow Rangers, Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club, Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab, and more.

Managing Director of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide Paul Robinson, who previously served as Managing Director of Walt Disney Television International and Senior Vice President Disney Channel Worldwide, commented: “Positive and uplifting children’s entertainment is more in demand today than ever. Since announcing our commitment to launch the Kartoon Channel! internationally less than three months ago, we are off to a fantastic start with pan-regional launches within the next two weeks across The Middle East, North Africa, Central America and South America on the program platforms through Genius Brands’ investment in YFE. The growth of the Kartoon Channel! over the past two years in the U.S., headed by Jon Ollwerther, has been tremendous. Despite the global challenges, children’s entertainment is timeless and enduring. We are extremely excited about the many opportunities we have to bring the channel to the rest of the world and to build it into the preeminent entertainment destination for kids.”

Friday, May 20, 2022

Genius Brands Signs 20-Year Deal with Marvel Studios to License “Stan Lee” for Use in Future Feature...

“Stan Lee Universe, LLC,” Genius Brands International’s “Genius Brands” (NASDAQ: GNUS) controlled venture with POW! Entertainment, has signed a 20-year deal to license the name and likeness of Stan Lee to Marvel Studios for future feature films and television productions, as well as use in Disney theme parks and experiences worldwide.

 

“We are proud to be the stewards of the incredibly valuable rights to Stan Lee’s name, likeness, merchandise, and intellectual property brand,” said Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Genius Brands. “And, there is no better place than Marvel and Disney where Stan should be for his movies and theme park experiences. As we enter the centennial year of Stan’s birthday, December 28, 2022, we are thrilled to see his memory and legacy will continue to delight fans through this new long-term agreement with Marvel.”

Under the terms of the deal, Marvel Studios has acquired rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in movies and television projects, as well as use images, existing footage and existing audio recordings featuring Stan. Exclusive rights to use Stan Lee’s name, voice, likeness and signature in theme parks, water parks, cruise lines and in-park merchandise were included for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products as part of the deal.

 

“As Stan’s longtime business partner and friend, I’m looking forward to commemorating his work in this new way,” said Gill Champion, President of POW! Entertainment. “Building a connection with his fans is important to us and it’s a privilege to get to do that on his behalf.”

Stan is one of the most prolific and legendary comic creators of all time. As Marvel's editor-in-chief, Stan "The Man" Lee helped build a universe of interlocking continuity, one where fans felt as if they could turn a street corner and run into a superhero from Spider-Man to the Fantastic Four, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and more. Stan went on to become Marvel’s editorial director and publisher in 1972, and was eventually named chairman emeritus.

 

Stan also appeared in some of the most popular films of all time. His well-known cameos in Marvel films began in the 1989 telefilm The Trial of the Incredible Hulk. After the release of X-Men in 2000, he appeared in nearly every Marvel film and television project until his passing in 2018.

Among Stan’s many awards is the National Medal of Arts, awarded by President Bush in 2008, and the Disney Legends Award, received in 2017. He was also inducted into the comic industry’s Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame and Jack Kirby Hall of Fame.

Friday, December 10, 2021

MAKING MOVES!!! Moonbug Expands Its Linear Offering To Europe While Genius Brands International Preps Their Global Expansion Killing Off A Certain Brand

Moonbug Expands Its Linear Offering To Europe, Could Africa Follow?
London-based Moonbug Entertainment is expanding its footprint in the MENA region through a new partnership with Orbit Showtime Network (OSN).

On December 12, the pay-TV operator will launch a Moonbug Kids linear channel and streaming hub aimed at preschoolers. The new network is designed to give viewers 175 hours of content.

The series range from CoComelon, Blippi, Morphle, Little Baby Bum, Mia’s Magic Playground, Go Buster, Playtime with Twinkle, Arpo, Gecko’s Garage and Supa Strikas.

This isn’t Moonbug’s first foray into MENA. Earlier this year, it partnered with Etisalat to launch its brands on the telecom company’s e-Junior VOD service and a year ago MultiChoice's Showmax.

Kartoon Channel's Parent Company Is Taking Over
Genius Brands International has entered into an agreement to acquire a 28.6% stake in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment (YFE). The deal, which is still subject to YFE shareholder approval, will see the distributor/broadcaster rebranded as Genius Family Entertainment.

YFE’s kids networks will now also operate under the Kartoon Channel! Worldwide banner. Former Disney exec Paul Robinson has been appointed as managing director of Kartoon Channel! Worldwide, effective immediately. Reporting to Kartoon Channel! president Jon Olwerther, he’s based in London and charged with overseeing the brand’s global expansion.

YFE has more than 4,000 films and episodes of animated and live-action content from both European and US producers in its catalogue.

Moving forward, non-violent content and themes like sustainability will be a focus for its growth. The company will continue to be run by its current management board, which is comprised of CEO Stefan Piech and COO Bernd Wendeln. Genius Brands’ new EVP and GM of global franchise management Kerry Phelan will supervise the global rollout of consumer products based on channel content. Moving forward, Genius plans to invest as much as US$7.8 million to expand YFE’s digital and linear footprint globally.

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Read Also:
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- December on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
- December on Da Vinci Kids
- National Geographic Africa launches in 2022
- More international content coming to Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and many more
- Cartoonito returning as a linear channel likely for DStv
- A+ possibly coming to DStv
- Showmax unveil their content slate
- More Africa Magic channels on DStv???
- Star Life rebranding to Life OK???
- Travel Channel going off air on DStv???
- Could SABC Encore and Children make their way to DStv? 
Warner TV might be replacing TNT
tvN working on becoming permanent in Africa 

Friday, September 11, 2020

With Less Kids Entertainment On Cable, Here's A List Of Possible Kids Channels That Might Occupy Disney XD Spot On DStv

In less than 21 days, Disney XD will shut down on DStv and since MultiChoice won't be looking at alternatives for 304 yet I complied a list of possible candidates. There's not much kids entertainment left in the world that viewers haven't already seen but these channels are the only ones left that cater to the same audience as XD and I can see part of them die like XD at some point. In the end, MultiChoice managed to package a total of 15 kids channels and not a lot of countries can do that.

NBCUNIVERSAL:
DreamWorks Channel, a kids channel owned by NBCUniversal (since 2016) which is home to archived and current DreamWorks animation including Dawn Of The Croods, All Hail King Julien and DreamWorks Dragons. The channel was available exclusively through Kwesé TV (till it got liquidated) and a year later on StarTimes.

Universal Kids also owned by NBCUniversal targeting a youth audience, including DreamWorks Animation content, unscripted programming (including game shows, and youth spin-offs of reality series from its sister networks, such as American Ninja Warrior and Top Chef), and imported series from other countries.

WARNERMEDIA:
Toonami owned by WarnerMedia is the home of superheroes particularly from DC Comics. Exciting, action-packed comics-based cartoon shows for fanboys-and-girls including Batman, Superman, Green Lantern and Young Justice. The channel was available exclusively through Kwesé TV (liquidated), a few months later on Cell C's Black (defunct) and a year later as a pop-up channel on DStv and became a permanent channel on StarTimes.

Boing also owned by WarnerMedia is a reruns channel for past programming seen on Cartoon Network including Puffy Amiyumi, Ed Edd'n Eddy, Dexter's Laboratory and Courage The Cowardly Dog alongside some acquired programming such as The Garfield Show and Sonic Boom. The channel is available in some parts of Africa.

Genius Brands:
Kartoon Channel (formerly Kid Genius and Baby Genius) is the home of the very best in kids and familiy entertainment across major cable/satellite providers and OTT platforms. Their shows have no violence, no negative stereotypes, and no inappropriate language. The lineup includes Minecraft’s Journey to the End, Angry Birds Toons, Mighty7, Rainbow Rangers and Llama Llama. GNUS described it as Netflix for kids.

Stats:
- DreamWorks content is accessible on many platforms while Universal Kids can supply that content on a limited basis due to the other programming seen on the channel.
- Universal Kids is the least watched channel in the U.S. and the only channel here that's not gaining traction.
- Kartoon Channel is the brand with several platforms to view.
- Toonami and Boing are pure repeats channels meaning if there's a time where streaming dominates the market these channels can be obsolete.
- Most of DreamWorks Animation is coming from Netflix meaning if the platform feels like not investing in the brand then the channel could become obsolete. On the bright side more platforms are working with this brand for more programming guarantee longevity.

Zoomoo kiddies lineup
Scrapped channels on DStv - their status is still unknown

Friday, June 12, 2020

Genius Brands Launches Their Very Own Kiddies Channel Online, Will DStv Or StarSat Perhaps Get It?

Former Fox Kids Networks head Margaret Loesch and former Disney exec David Neuman are to be tasked with growing the soon-to-launch kids OTT.

Genius Brands International announced two new hires as it prepares to launch its upcoming digital channel. Former Fox Kids Networks Worldwide president and CEO Margaret Loesch was named executive chairman of the California-based company’s upcoming Kartoon Channel!, and former Disney Television president David Neuman takes the role of chief creative officer.

Loesch previously held roles with Marvel Productions and The Jim Henson Company. She has also served on Genius Brands’ board of directors since 2016. Neuman, meanwhile, joins Genius Brands from media company Happs, a live-streaming news app. He previously served as president of Walt Disney Television from 1996 to 1998.

In their new roles, Loesch and Neuman will be responsible for building viewership, market share and advertising demand for Kartoon Channel! as well as attracting creative content. Neuman will work closely with Caroline Tyre, who was hired by Genius Brands as SVP of international distribution in June 2019.

Kartoon Channel! will launch in the US on June 15 and target kids ages two to 11. More than 4,000 episodes from shows including Baby Genius, Shark Academy, Dino the Dinosaur and Super Geek Heroes will be available on the channel. The OTT channel will not require a subscription, and will be available through a number of platforms, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Roku, among others.