Canal+ Increases MultiChoice's Stake To 18%

Canal+, the pay-TV unit of French media holding company Vivendi, has increased its stake in MultiChoice to 18.44%.

MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela revealed the increased shareholding by Canal+ during the company’s annual results presentation.

Mawela said they continue to have monthly interactions with Vivendi and that the French media likes MultiChoice, its management, and its prospects.

 
 

“Vivendi thinks MultiChoice is a well-run company that will continue to grow,” Mawela said. “They see MultiChoice as a good financial investment.”

The increased shareholding sparked speculation that Vivendi, through Canal+, could be looking to take over MultiChoice.

Vivendi previously tried to acquire MultiChoice Africa, but the multi-million-dollar offer was rejected.

MultiChoice said it kept an open mind about its relationship with the company.

Commenting on Vivendi increasing its stake in MultiChoice from 15% to 18.44%, CFO Tim Jacobs said they have been buying shares off the open market.

 
 

“They are not at a notifiable stage. That will happen when they get to 20%,” Jacobs said. “They have been active in the market, picking up a few extra percent since the last announcement.”

Richard Cheesman, a senior investment analyst at Protea Capital Management, previously said they see the opportunity, means, and motivation for Canal+ to buy a larger stake in MultiChoice.

 

“There is little geographical overlap between MultiChoice and Canal+ in Africa, and there would be many synergies from a merger such as content costs, satellite leases, and perhaps expediting the use of the MultiChoice tax losses,” he said.

“MultiChoice and Canal+ have monthly feedback meetings and have collaborated on some content. We view this as informal due diligence being done.”

The Cancelled Jimmy Neutron Movie Sequel & Series Revival

For the longest time, I believed that The Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius was one of the best CGI animation to come out then Sonic Boom, Penguins Of Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda were introduced. Other exceptions included Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug and Cat Noir and Barnyard.

Jimmy Neutron was one of the only CGI cartoons to have actual humour it made me laugh with its real characters and situations and it got me hooked when they go on some epic intense adventure and yes even when Carl got pregnant with an alien.

Then Cyma former president of Nickelodeon decided to step in and say no this is an action show and it's gonna turn our kids into terrorists. We got to put memes and fill our shows with feet and grossed out humour to fulfil my fetishes that's why Fanboy And Chum Chum was picked up and Adventure Time rejected.

 

(That's not what happened but would anyone be surprised?)

The show was cancelled when it started getting interesting. We had 3 TV movies, the characters were going into space and Jimmy and Cindy were finally going to get together and this happened:

Jimmy - what are we going to do?
Carl - hangout with your mom

The creators considered the third season as intense and adventurous. According to sources, the Jimmy Neutron was set to have sequel revolved on Carl titled Jimmy Neutron And The Search For Carl. Most details could be found on Jimmy Neutron's Wiki and a video titled 107 facts you didn't know about Hey Arnold..

This was rumoured to be fanfiction but a while back there was rumours of an Angry Beavers pilot from same site which everyone thought was fake. On one of the Splat's trivia broadcast, it brought up that rumoured pilot.

But that's not the only thing that was revealed apparently Jimmy Neutron was going to have another season or spinoff series (Not Planet Sheen) possibly titled The New Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius as a continuous to the main series.

According to an interview in the Beanhole, there was a fanfiction Jimmy Neutron that was well received that the creators was interested in doing a revival but due to DNA productions the brand in charge of the show shutting down and Nickelodeon having no interest in bringing back The Boy Genius the protect never got made.

 

But here's what was said in the interview:

- 13 episodes were made as part of a seasonal arc
- The scripts were sent to Nickelodeon and rejected for a revival of The Fairly OddParents and new series Planet Sheen.

Which seems odd if they were going to revive The Fairly OddParents why not add Jimmy Neutron into the mix especially when they were onboard with a revival. Which proves that management at the time didn't care about how iconic the brand was.

Before the current logo of Nickelodeon entered into account. The previous one was scrapped as it didn't look good on a business card.

Jimmy Neutron revival project was discussed later in 2012 and sent to Nickelodeon a year later which was around the same period Planet Sheen was cancelled.

Another aspect that was also covered in the interview was that although the revival failed to be greenlit Nickelodeon liked the fanfiction that they asked the writer to make something original.

So they sent a script which told the story about a 15 year old girl in the year 2040 with her parents travelling her in our timeline. When she realises why her parents sent her back she tries to build a time machine to go back and during that time she makes friends and meets a sinister crew intent on stealing her technology.

It was also stated that this series would be more action heavy than Jimmy Neutron but similar to Avatar and Legend Of Korra. Nickelodeon never picked it up.

 

Other details stated about the Jimmy Neutron was:

- It would have been more darker and heavy compared to the other seasons.
- The arc would have focused on The League Of Villains returning to destroy Jimmy Neutron.
- There would be a huge finale where all the characters from previous seasons team up with Jimmy to take on The League Of Villains.
- There was also discussion of bringing back the alien love interest to April from season 3. However the creators were mixed about the idea with the budget they needed to bring another actor and adding more characters.
- Jimmy and Cindy would have been actual friends which would later on progress to them possibly being love interests to one another.
- There would been an episode which would look into Cindy and Betty's relationship.
- The character Nick would appear in the show more frequently.
- There were rumours of it getting picked up by Netflix which is likely dead at this point.

You can read the scripts to the episodes of which two are available to read online:

Three's A Crowd
Deep Impact

Credit: Ster Ling

Disney Launches Campaign To Support Families After Identifying Shared Imaginative Play Gap

The Walt Disney Company enjoys a nearly 100-year legacy of creative storytelling, which encourages adults and children to have more shared imaginative playtime together. Taking its cue from recent studies which suggest that the shared imaginative play gap is widespread with parents admitting they’ve ‘forgotten’ how to use their imagination, Disney created The Gift of Play. Inspired by Disney’s beloved stories and characters across Disney, Pixar, Star Wars™ and Marvel, The Gift of Play provides inspirational yet informative guidance, through a series of enjoyable activities and products from dress-up to Lego, to demonstrate how creativity, inventiveness and togetherness can help to reignite imagination.

Disney has brought together The Institute of Imagination, parenting experts and theatrical stage-masters to launch The Gift of Play – a campaign hosted on a dedicated website, www.disneythegiftofplay.co.za.

 
 

To help re-ignite the imagination, the website hosts a range of free-to-view videos, including easy to follow ‘how-tos’ and resources devoted to families enjoying more imaginative play time together, including The Gift of Play guide. The free 22-page handbook, which includes a series of Disney Princess and Frozen themed play-starter scenarios, has been created by parenting experts and theatrical stage-masters, to inspire adults and children to use their own surroundings and Disney stories to stimulate imagination, creativity - and most of all, have fun playing.

The Gift of Play was developed following recent research conducted by Disney, that polled over 5,000 adults across the UK and Europe all with kids under the age of 12, with a focus on discovering thoughts and behaviours around playtime. The results show that while eight in ten parents admit their kids are happier when they play all together, almost half (48 per cent) say they feel uninspired and lost when it came to planning ways to play, and one in two struggle to find the resources that could help them.

The study also reveals a few more interesting statistics, including the fact that 80 per cent of respondents recognise the importance of play for a child’s development, but nearly half (45 per cent) say that family life is too busy and 40 per cent of those feel they don’t have the time to join in when it comes to shared playtime.

 
 

In the South African context, local studies* in recent years highlight the importance of play relating to South Africa. Durban-based Registered Psychological Counsellor Zakkiya Suleman says: “From a South African educational standpoint, we see learning through play as an important facet of a child’s life. There are policies framing South African early education, play and play-based approaches which are deemed part of quality practices.”

Zakkiya goes on to explain that from day one, children are eager and determined to understand how the world works and they do this through play. “They are using all the “tools” they have at their disposal. Play is not only fun, but it’s one of the most important ways you can nurture their development. There are no rules when it comes to playing and while it’s also fun, it’s important to young children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Through play children learn problem-solving, interpersonal skills, communication, and other skills integral to success in school and life,” she adds.

Luke Roberts, General Manager, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, The Walt Disney Company Africa says: “There is nothing more special than a bond between parent and child and at Disney we know that those bonds need nurturing. Shared play can be both an exciting and enriching exercise and Disney is offering support to parents and caregivers to unlock their imaginations and find inspiration in our guide and with our products to engage with children and create a fun, learning environment for them.”

 

A short piece of live action content demonstrating how adults can use Disney’s The Gift of Play to engage with their children and have more fun together, is also be available to view on The Gift of Play website. The campaign will be supported by various snippets of shared imaginative play content, syndicated on the Disney Family social media channels across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Supporting products featured in the guide across Disney, Pixar, Star Wars™ and Marvel are available to purchase from all leading retailers nationwide.

Mama Jack Was The Most Watched Movie On e.tv And Viewership Declines Amidst Load Shedding In May 2022 Viewership For SABC, e.tv And DStv

April results: click here

SABC 1:

Uzalo - 5 783 736
Generations the Legacy - 4 637 861
Skeem Saam - 4 132 873
Xhosa News - 2 691 071
Zulu News - 2 520 180
Roxic (Reality) - 2 505 610
Ngomusa Documentary - 2 410 008
Uzalo Omnibus - 2 249 884
Uzalo Repeat - 2 246 796
Clover Classic Celebrations - 2 232 492
Skeem Saam Repeat - 2 109 741
Selimathunzi - 2 102 279
Identity (Religion) - 2 026 618
#Issa Vibe - 1 908 548
Siswati/Ndebele News - 1 883 290
Ses Top La - 1 660 487
Muvhango Repeat - 1 656 276
Kwakhala Nyonini - 1 581 831
Dance Yo Dumo - 1 572 226
Side Dish - 1 558 562

SABC 2:

Muvhango - 2 408 898
7De Laan - 1 040 016
Giyani - 952 721
Hlala Kwabafileyo - 872 793
Muvhango Omnibus - 744 125
Kwa Mamazala - 644 923
Nuus - 633 687
Abakwa Zidenge Documentary - 610 472
Ubettina Wethu Repeat - 582 789
Dragon Ball Super - 535 352
Ses/Tsw/Sep News - 525 935
Voetspore - 504 055
Morning Live - 492 423
Giyani Repeat - 455 009
Muvhango Repeat - 448 957
Venda/Tsonga News - 435 685
Music - 430 214
Live Lotto Draw - 424 009
Filler:SABC Sport - 421 989
Uzalo Repeat - 400 620

 

SABC 3:

Serengeti Documentary - 518 197
Britain's Got Talent: The Champions - 514 182
The Proposal. Movie - 468 281
News - 437 313
Abduction Movie - 429 981
Cheetah Family & Me Documentary - 371 717
Baby Chimp Rescue Documentary - 348 695
Think Like a Man Movie - 342 059
Norin's Ark Drama - 316 078
There's Something About Mary Movie - 300 568
Child in the Wild Documentary - 292 706
Afternoon Express - 284 336
On Point - 283 905
La Heat (Drama) - 275 471
Murder on the Orient Express Movie - 273 001
Special Assignment Repeat - 272 761
What to Expect When You're Expecting Movie - 271 402
Arena - 254 834
Inside the Bat Cave Documentary - 254 709
Braveheart Movie - 249 813

e.tv:

Scandal - 4 820 110
House of Zwide - 4 520 246
Mama Jack Movie - 3 121 462
Durban Gen - 2 824 098
Imbewu - 2 328 412
The Black Door - 2 232 013
Inumber Number Movie - 2 119 942
The Powerball Draw Quiz - 1 964 831
Atlantis - 1 912 439
Is'phindiselo - 1 791 013
E.TV News - 1 756 145
South Africa Tonight News - 1 702 366
Imbewu Repeat - 1 600 320
Droomverlore - 1 588 389
Date My Family - 1 561 202
Paradise Stop Movie - 1 527 372
Superstore - 1 514 919
Durban Gen - 1 482 674
Ekasi Our Stories: A Family That Prays - 1 462 947
Durban Gen Repeat - 1 449 499

 

DStv:

MZAN Gomora - 1 127 879 & 1 355 150
MZAN Gomora Repeat - 1 075 967 & 1 306 585
MZAN The Queen - 752 068 & 874 572
MZAN The River - 703 778 & 849 740
MZAN The River Repeat - 656 922 & 793 446
MWET Our Perfect Wedding - 608 597 & 792 333
MZAN Diep City - 581 207 & 705 858
MZAN Date My Family - 565 158 & 662 372
MZAN Umbuso - 537 659 & 619 134
MZAN Twice as Bold - 509 706 & 604 437
MOJA Umndeni - 503 442 & 598 657
MZAN Sengkhathele - 493 404 & 595 878
MWET The River - 462 569 & 589 133
MWET Mnakwethu Happily Ever After - 432 112 & 528 629
MWET The Queen Omnibus - 417 673 & 539 169
MWET The Queen Repeat - 416 624 & 450 893
MBIO Dana's Deathday Party - 407 357 & 557 341
MWET Lingashoni Repeat - 396 252 & 417 571
MOJA Rea Tsotella - 379 357 & 376 448
MZAN Housekeepers - 373 753 & 433 674
MZAN Abandoned - 372 893 & 452 210
MBIO Vilakazi Supermarket - 368 278 & 455 931
MOJA Dloz'lami - 360 894 & 347 809
MOJA Ukungenwa - 360 638 & 435 101
MBIO Izulu Lami My Secret Sky - 359 346 & 499 154
MZAN Pastor Wants a Wife - 359 305 & 439 246
MOJA Isencane Lengane - 359 135 & 349 294
MOJA Mamazala - 357 999 & 403 892
MBIO Sephiri High Movie - 350 111 & 484 048
MBIO Iwashi Dram - 349 530 & 466 324

Roundups #65: Monster High: The Movie Coming This Fall To Nickelodeon And Paramount+, Idris Elba Reportedly In Talks For The Role Of James Bond And Lady Gaga Might Star In The Rumoured Jokers 2 Musical As Harley Quinn

Paramount+ and Nickelodeon are about to get spooky

Monster High (working title) stars Miia Harris (Just Beyond) as Clawdeen Wolf; Ceci Balagot (Dispatches from Elsewhere) as Frankie Stein; Nayah Damasen (Grey's Anatomy) as Draculaura; Case Walker (The Other Two) as Deuce Gorgon; Kyle Selig (“Mean Girls” on Broadway) as Mr. Komos; Marci T. House (Day of the Dead) as Headmistress Bloodgood; Scotch Ellis Loring (Firehouse Dog) as Clawdeen’s dad, Apollo; Steve Valentine (Mom) as Draculaura’s dad, Dracula; Jy Prishkulnik (Just Beyond) as Cleo de Nile; Lina Lecompte (Death Pursuit) as Lagoona Blue; Justin Derickson (When the Streetlights Go On) as Heath Burns; Lilah Fitzgerald (Honey Girls) as Ghoulia; and Nasiv Sall (Descendants 2) as Abbey Bominable. Additional fan-favorite characters from the Monster High universe will also be seen throughout the TV movie.

Monster High follows Clawdeen Wolf, who was born half human and half werewolf, after she arrives at her new school, Monster High. She quickly makes friends with her classmates Frankie Stein and Draculaura, and for the first time in her life, Clawdeen feels like she has finally found a place where she fits in and can truly be herself, despite keeping her human half a secret. When a devious plan to destroy Monster High threatens to reveal her real identity, Clawdeen must learn to embrace her true monster heart and find a way to save the day.

In addition to the Monster High TV movie, an animated series based off the beloved franchise is slated to premiere on Nickelodeon next year. Both projects join other Mattel Television content in production, including series and specials based on Barbie, Masters of the Universe, Thomas & Friends, Polly Pocket and Fireman Sam, to name a few.

 

Could Idris Elba become the next James Bond?

According to new reports, actor Idris Elba is in talks to play none other than 007 himself, James Bond, in the next instalment in the long-running franchise..

An insider reportedly stated, "Idris has long been in talks to play a role in the next era of James Bond’s story and last year was being considered for a role as an antagonist. However, talks surrounding him playing the lead have started again as producers realized how popular he would be after carrying out secret market research. He ranked highly among the diverse group of movie buffs invited to participate in it. They didn’t want to see him as a nemesis, they want him as the hero."

Earlier this year, Bond producer Barbara Broccoli confirmed Idris Elba was being considered for the role, following Daniel Craig's exit with No Time to Die. At the time, Broccoli said, "Well, we know Idris, we're friends with him, and he's a magnificent actor... And, you know, it's been part of the conversation, but it's always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat."

 

She also suggested no further discussions about the next Bond would take place until Craig's time as 007 was well and truly done. "I think we have decided that until No Time to Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to -- well, we've all been able to savor, reap the benefits of Daniel's wonderful tenure, we're not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else."

Lady Gaga might bring a superhero musical to life

Lady Gaga is in talks to star opposite Joaquin Phoenix in the sequel to Joker, according to sources. A deal hasn't been finalized, but she'd reportedly be playing Harley Quinn, the Joker's love interest whom he falls for after she serves as his psychiatrist. 

Margot Robbie has been playing Harley Quinn in the DC film franchise, including in 2021's The Suicide Squad. But Gaga's take would be a separate version of the character in a different fictional universe. Robbie played Harley opposite Jared Leto as the Joker.

 

Director Todd Phillips announced last week this sequel is moving forward with the working title Joker: Folie à deux, a term that refers to "an identical or similar mental disorder affecting two or more individuals,".

It was also revealed that even though the original Joker was a dark character study, the sequel is said to be a musical. The first movie was inspired by Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver, so might the sequel be inspired by Scorsese's musical New York, New York?