Janice Burgess, who as an executive, producer or creator had a hand in some of the most seminal Nickelodeon animated series of the past 20 years, died Saturday in Manhattan, according to the New York Times. She was 72.
In 1998, Burgess created the first iteration of what would eventually become The Backyardigans, a fanciful show where five animal neighbors in a communal backyard imagine new settings and adventures. The first season of 20 episodes aired in 2004, with critics praising its appeal for both kids and parents as well as its “artistic exactitude” when portraying different genres and setting.
The series ran for four seasons on Nick Jr. (through 2013) with Burgess taking home the Emmy for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program in 2008. During that time, she also worked as the story editor for Nickelodeon’s revival of Winx Club and is credited as a writer on Bubble Guppies.
After working for Children’s Television Workshop in the early ’90s,...
In 1998, Burgess created the first iteration of what would eventually become The Backyardigans, a fanciful show where five animal neighbors in a communal backyard imagine new settings and adventures. The first season of 20 episodes aired in 2004, with critics praising its appeal for both kids and parents as well as its “artistic exactitude” when portraying different genres and setting.
The series ran for four seasons on Nick Jr. (through 2013) with Burgess taking home the Emmy for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program in 2008. During that time, she also worked as the story editor for Nickelodeon’s revival of Winx Club and is credited as a writer on Bubble Guppies.
After working for Children’s Television Workshop in the early ’90s,...
- 3/5/2024
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Janice Burgess, the two-time Daytime Emmy winner who created the beloved animated musical series The Backyardigans for Nickelodeon, has died. She was 72.
Burgess died Saturday in hospice care in Manhattan of breast cancer, her former Nickelodeon colleague Brown Johnson told The New York Times.
The Backyardigans ran for four seasons on Nick Jr. from 2004-13 and was a big hit with preschoolers. It centered on five animal neighbors — Uniqua, Pablo, Tyrone, Tasha and Austin — who meet in their shared backyard and embark on imaginary and magical adventures, often visiting different parts of the world or traveling back or forward in time.
Burgess was a production executive at Nick Jr. when she came up with the idea for a live-action show called Me and My Friends, with the characters wearing full-body puppet costumes. When execs didn’t go for that, she suggested computer animation to get The Backyardigans greenlighted.
“Making The...
Burgess died Saturday in hospice care in Manhattan of breast cancer, her former Nickelodeon colleague Brown Johnson told The New York Times.
The Backyardigans ran for four seasons on Nick Jr. from 2004-13 and was a big hit with preschoolers. It centered on five animal neighbors — Uniqua, Pablo, Tyrone, Tasha and Austin — who meet in their shared backyard and embark on imaginary and magical adventures, often visiting different parts of the world or traveling back or forward in time.
Burgess was a production executive at Nick Jr. when she came up with the idea for a live-action show called Me and My Friends, with the characters wearing full-body puppet costumes. When execs didn’t go for that, she suggested computer animation to get The Backyardigans greenlighted.
“Making The...
- 3/5/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Janice Burgess, creator of Nickelodeon’s “The Backyardigans,” died on Saturday in hospice care in Manhattan, according to The New York Times. She was 72.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of the great architects of Nick Jr. and creator of the globally beloved series, ‘The Backyardigans,'” Nickelodeon said in a statement. “Janice was one of the greats–inherently creative and kind, and dedicated to the preschool audience everywhere.”
Animation writer Fracaswell Hyman, who met Burgess while both were working on “Gullah Gullah Island,” wrote on Instagram, “Janice swept in with her acid-tongued wit, flowing Hermes scarves and omnipresent cigarettes. Instead of an overseer, she became a friend. She recognized my magic before I did and made sure I was in the room and under consideration for many of the shows that came my way including ‘Little Bill’ and ‘Taina.'”
The statement continued, “Janice, Maria Perez-Brown...
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of the great architects of Nick Jr. and creator of the globally beloved series, ‘The Backyardigans,'” Nickelodeon said in a statement. “Janice was one of the greats–inherently creative and kind, and dedicated to the preschool audience everywhere.”
Animation writer Fracaswell Hyman, who met Burgess while both were working on “Gullah Gullah Island,” wrote on Instagram, “Janice swept in with her acid-tongued wit, flowing Hermes scarves and omnipresent cigarettes. Instead of an overseer, she became a friend. She recognized my magic before I did and made sure I was in the room and under consideration for many of the shows that came my way including ‘Little Bill’ and ‘Taina.'”
The statement continued, “Janice, Maria Perez-Brown...
- 3/5/2024
- by Caroline Brew
- Variety Film + TV
The latest Netflix live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender received mixed reactions from fans, and it’s understandable why. The original animated show shaped the childhood of many viewers, and any other iterations would find it hard to match level with.
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Taking a trip down memory lane, the original voice actor of Aang reminisced his days working on the famed Nickelodeon series. He even picked out his favorite episodes among the bunch.
Suggested“Everything was garbage”: Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is Apparently So Bad Fans Are Saying It Makes the M. Night Shyamalan Movie Look Better
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Zach Tyler Eisen Shares His Top Favorite Episodes
Zach Tyler Eisen spoke with Dante Basco and Janet Varney, who voiced Zuko and Korra in the animated series, via Avatar: Braving the Elements podcast and revealed his ultimate favorite episode...
Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender
Taking a trip down memory lane, the original voice actor of Aang reminisced his days working on the famed Nickelodeon series. He even picked out his favorite episodes among the bunch.
Suggested“Everything was garbage”: Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is Apparently So Bad Fans Are Saying It Makes the M. Night Shyamalan Movie Look Better
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s Zach Tyler Eisen Shares His Top Favorite Episodes
Zach Tyler Eisen spoke with Dante Basco and Janet Varney, who voiced Zuko and Korra in the animated series, via Avatar: Braving the Elements podcast and revealed his ultimate favorite episode...
- 3/2/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Noggin, Nickelodeon’s interactive learning platform for preschool-age kids, is shutting down after almost 10 years, Variety has confirmed.
Noggin is a casualty of Paramount Global’s companywide layoffs this week, which resulted in about 800 staffers being let go. The entire team that ran Noggin was laid off, as first reported by trade publication Kidscreen.
Noggin will wind down sometime in 2024, with the exact date still to be determined. Noggin will no longer be taking new subscribers and there will be a transition period for current subscribers, sources confirmed.
Paramount+ already includes video content that has been on Noggin under Nick Jr., which is the company’s flagship preschool brand, and the company is focusing on reinforcing Paramount+ as a service with programming catering the whole household.
Designed for kids aged 2 to 7, the Noggin subscription service was launched in 2015. Most recently, it cost $7.99/month or $71/year. From 1999-2009, Noggin operated as...
Noggin is a casualty of Paramount Global’s companywide layoffs this week, which resulted in about 800 staffers being let go. The entire team that ran Noggin was laid off, as first reported by trade publication Kidscreen.
Noggin will wind down sometime in 2024, with the exact date still to be determined. Noggin will no longer be taking new subscribers and there will be a transition period for current subscribers, sources confirmed.
Paramount+ already includes video content that has been on Noggin under Nick Jr., which is the company’s flagship preschool brand, and the company is focusing on reinforcing Paramount+ as a service with programming catering the whole household.
Designed for kids aged 2 to 7, the Noggin subscription service was launched in 2015. Most recently, it cost $7.99/month or $71/year. From 1999-2009, Noggin operated as...
- 2/15/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Want to binge some cartoons? We’ve pulled together all the best streaming services to get your animation fix. While there are some illegal ways to do this, we’re sharing perfectly legal options, many of which you can stream for free.
30-Day Trial paramountplus.com Paramount Plus
Paramount+ is a great all-around streamer for families, but it excels at animation. It’s home to all the best shows from Nickelodeon, so it’s perfect for kids. There isn’t much adult animation to be found, however.
If you’re getting this for your kids, consider paying up for the ad-free version.
Highlights:
SpongeBob SquarePants Star Trek: Lower Decks Avatar: The Last Airbender Avatar: The Legend of Korra Beavis and Butt-Head Aaahh!!! Real Monsters Hey Arnold! The Ren & Stimpy Show Abby Hatcher, Fuzzly Catcher The Backyardigans Rugrats Dora the Explorer The Penguins of Madagascar Drawn Together The Wild Thornberrys 30-Day Trial $5.99+ / month paramountplus.
30-Day Trial paramountplus.com Paramount Plus
Paramount+ is a great all-around streamer for families, but it excels at animation. It’s home to all the best shows from Nickelodeon, so it’s perfect for kids. There isn’t much adult animation to be found, however.
If you’re getting this for your kids, consider paying up for the ad-free version.
Highlights:
SpongeBob SquarePants Star Trek: Lower Decks Avatar: The Last Airbender Avatar: The Legend of Korra Beavis and Butt-Head Aaahh!!! Real Monsters Hey Arnold! The Ren & Stimpy Show Abby Hatcher, Fuzzly Catcher The Backyardigans Rugrats Dora the Explorer The Penguins of Madagascar Drawn Together The Wild Thornberrys 30-Day Trial $5.99+ / month paramountplus.
- 8/7/2023
- by Ben Bowman
- The Streamable
Will Butler is teaming up with his backing band Sister Squares for a new album, naturally titled Will Butler + Sister Squares. The LP arrives September 22nd via Merge, and as a preview, the artists have shared the lead single “Long Grass.” The band have also mapped out North American and European tour dates for later this year.
Butler began working with Sister Squares — Miles Francis, Julie Shore, Jenny Shore, and Sara Dobbs — several years ago, when he first began putting out solo music. “I met Jenny — my wife! — in college, the year before I joined Arcade Fire,” he explained in a statement. “When I needed a band to tour Policy, I asked [Jenny’s sister] Julie to join because I trusted her musically. And I asked Sara, Jenny and Julie’s childhood friend, because I knew she was super talented.” Meanwhile, Buter met previous Antibalas drummer Francis when his band opened for Arcade Fire.
Butler began working with Sister Squares — Miles Francis, Julie Shore, Jenny Shore, and Sara Dobbs — several years ago, when he first began putting out solo music. “I met Jenny — my wife! — in college, the year before I joined Arcade Fire,” he explained in a statement. “When I needed a band to tour Policy, I asked [Jenny’s sister] Julie to join because I trusted her musically. And I asked Sara, Jenny and Julie’s childhood friend, because I knew she was super talented.” Meanwhile, Buter met previous Antibalas drummer Francis when his band opened for Arcade Fire.
- 6/27/2023
- by Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Music
The Blossom family tree is getting a fresh branch in Riverdale‘s final season: The CW drama has cast Nicholas Barasch to play Cheryl’s twin brother Julian in the upcoming Season 7, our sister site Deadline reports.
Barasch will recur as Julian Blossom, described as “your classic high school red-headed bully” in the official synopsis. “Handsome, athletic, and cocky, he always gets his way, but in the rare times he doesn’t — like with Veronica — he makes life miserable for everyone around him. He often butts heads with his twin sister, but is also an antagonist to all of our teen characters,...
Barasch will recur as Julian Blossom, described as “your classic high school red-headed bully” in the official synopsis. “Handsome, athletic, and cocky, he always gets his way, but in the rare times he doesn’t — like with Veronica — he makes life miserable for everyone around him. He often butts heads with his twin sister, but is also an antagonist to all of our teen characters,...
- 12/20/2022
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: The CW has expanded the cast of Riverdale for the upcoming seventh and final season. Nicholas Barasch (Hadestown) and Karl Walcott (Le Chalet) have been tapped for major recurring roles on the Archie Comics series, developed and executive produced by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.
Barasch will play Julien Blossom, your classic high school red-headed bully. He’s preppy, rich, and extremely entitled. Handsome, athletic, and cocky, he always gets his way, but in the rare times he doesn’t—like with Veronica—he makes life miserable for everyone around him. He often butts heads with his twin sister, but is also an antagonist to all of our teen characters, most especially Archie.
Walcott is Clay Walker, a teen renaissance man. He is studious, artistic, well-read, and well-traveled. An Army brat, Clay comes from a loving family and is a champion for social justice. He is very open-minded in his art and his sexuality.
Barasch will play Julien Blossom, your classic high school red-headed bully. He’s preppy, rich, and extremely entitled. Handsome, athletic, and cocky, he always gets his way, but in the rare times he doesn’t—like with Veronica—he makes life miserable for everyone around him. He often butts heads with his twin sister, but is also an antagonist to all of our teen characters, most especially Archie.
Walcott is Clay Walker, a teen renaissance man. He is studious, artistic, well-read, and well-traveled. An Army brat, Clay comes from a loving family and is a champion for social justice. He is very open-minded in his art and his sexuality.
- 12/20/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Judd Hirsch and Lab Rats: Bionic Island actor Tyrel Jackson Williams have joined Disney’s feature sequel for Stargirl.
The Julia Hart directed, co-written with husband Jordan Horowitz, follows Stargirl’s (Grace VanderWaal) journey out of Mica into a bigger world of music, dreams and possibility. The script is based on the original character from Jerry Spinelli’s best-selling book of the same name. VanderWaal will write and perform new original music for the sequel. Elijah Richardson plays Evan, the romantic lead opposite VanderWaal.
Hirsch will play Mr. Mitchell, one of Stargirl’s new neighbors while Williams will play Terrell, Evan’s older brother and an aspiring filmmaker. They join Judy Greer, who we first told you plays Ana, Stargirl’s mom; and Uma Thurman who will portray Roxanne Martel, a musician Stargirl admires and encounters on her journey.
Jeanne McCarthy and Nicole Abellera are casting the sequel.
The Julia Hart directed, co-written with husband Jordan Horowitz, follows Stargirl’s (Grace VanderWaal) journey out of Mica into a bigger world of music, dreams and possibility. The script is based on the original character from Jerry Spinelli’s best-selling book of the same name. VanderWaal will write and perform new original music for the sequel. Elijah Richardson plays Evan, the romantic lead opposite VanderWaal.
Hirsch will play Mr. Mitchell, one of Stargirl’s new neighbors while Williams will play Terrell, Evan’s older brother and an aspiring filmmaker. They join Judy Greer, who we first told you plays Ana, Stargirl’s mom; and Uma Thurman who will portray Roxanne Martel, a musician Stargirl admires and encounters on her journey.
Jeanne McCarthy and Nicole Abellera are casting the sequel.
- 3/18/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: ICM Partners has signed Valerie Walsh Valdes and Leslie Valdes and will represent the couple, who co-created and executive produce Nick Jr.’s Santiago of the Seas, in all areas.
Valerie is most known for co-creating and executive producing Nickelodeon’s iconic children series Dora The Explorer. She has also served to co-create and executive produce spinoffs Go, Diego, Go and Dora And Friends. She is currently developing a reboot of Dora the Explorer.
As a showrunner, Valerie has produced more than 300 half hours of animated television, seen in over 150 countries, and translated into 30 languages. Additionally, she has won a Peabody Award for Outstanding Children’s Programming, multiple NAACP Image Awards, Imagen Awards and Parent’s Choice Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards.
Leslie kicked off his television professional career as a staff writer for Dora the Explorer. He also served as the head writer and producer of Disney Junior’s The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Valerie is most known for co-creating and executive producing Nickelodeon’s iconic children series Dora The Explorer. She has also served to co-create and executive produce spinoffs Go, Diego, Go and Dora And Friends. She is currently developing a reboot of Dora the Explorer.
As a showrunner, Valerie has produced more than 300 half hours of animated television, seen in over 150 countries, and translated into 30 languages. Additionally, she has won a Peabody Award for Outstanding Children’s Programming, multiple NAACP Image Awards, Imagen Awards and Parent’s Choice Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards.
Leslie kicked off his television professional career as a staff writer for Dora the Explorer. He also served as the head writer and producer of Disney Junior’s The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
- 1/12/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Chris Nee Hires Kids Media Vet Koyalee Chanda As Programming Executive For Her Netflix-Based Company
Exclusive: Doc McStuffins and Vampirina creator Chris Nee has brought in kids media veteran Koyalee Chanda as VP of Production and Development for her production company Laughing Wild. Chanda will serve as an executive producer on multiple animated projects across genres.
The hire is part of Nee’s efforts to build a robust slate for Netflix, where she inked an exclusive multi-year overall deal late last year to write and produce original animated and live-action series. It is the highest-profile talent deal for Netflix’s Kids and Family division.
“I have admired Koyalee professionally and personally for over two decades spent in parallel universes in the kids business,” said Nee. “Her impeccable taste and breadth of real world experience across all stages of the animation process make her the perfect fit to help produce the multiple productions moving simultaneously through Laughing Wild. I’m thrilled to have her join the team.
The hire is part of Nee’s efforts to build a robust slate for Netflix, where she inked an exclusive multi-year overall deal late last year to write and produce original animated and live-action series. It is the highest-profile talent deal for Netflix’s Kids and Family division.
“I have admired Koyalee professionally and personally for over two decades spent in parallel universes in the kids business,” said Nee. “Her impeccable taste and breadth of real world experience across all stages of the animation process make her the perfect fit to help produce the multiple productions moving simultaneously through Laughing Wild. I’m thrilled to have her join the team.
- 6/6/2019
- by Denise Petski and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Imagine a music-filled kids’ cartoon about saving the ocean, with characters voiced and sung by Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus, Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, and Grammy winner Pharrell Williams. Nearly ten years ago, it almost happened.
Hoppus recently guested on Kroq’s “Kevin and Bean Show,” where he and “Kevin & Bean” co-host Jensen Karp revealed that together they once pitched an animated series, titled “Bronze Blue,” to networks like Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. Much to their disappointment, the show never happened.
“Bronze Blue” would have starred Hoppus, Wentz, Ashlee Simpson, and others as various characters in an underwater punk/pop band singing catchy, eco-friendly tunes. The band toured the beaches of the world to share their message; however, they would have to stay one step ahead of their ultimate villain: The Sushi Chef.
“The whole show is about the environment and saving the ocean, and they go around and...
Hoppus recently guested on Kroq’s “Kevin and Bean Show,” where he and “Kevin & Bean” co-host Jensen Karp revealed that together they once pitched an animated series, titled “Bronze Blue,” to networks like Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. Much to their disappointment, the show never happened.
“Bronze Blue” would have starred Hoppus, Wentz, Ashlee Simpson, and others as various characters in an underwater punk/pop band singing catchy, eco-friendly tunes. The band toured the beaches of the world to share their message; however, they would have to stay one step ahead of their ultimate villain: The Sushi Chef.
“The whole show is about the environment and saving the ocean, and they go around and...
- 2/4/2019
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
PBS Kids has ordered a new live-action series, Odd Squad, in which two agents, Olive and Otto, are on a mission to save the day using math. Odd Squad is created by Tim McKeon (Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Adventure Time, The Electric Company) and Adam Peltzman (The Electric Company, The Backyardigans, Wallykazam!), and produced by Canadian kids TV producer Sinking Ship Entertainment and The Fred Rogers Company. The new series is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Each episode of Odd Squad includes two 11-minute cases in which the agents use math to recapture a gallon-sized blob that has separated into smaller pieces, deal with a slew of unicorns, dinosaurs and wizards that have escaped from books, etc. “These early math experiences are especially important for kids from low-income families, who typically start school with lower scores in math than their middle-income peers,...
- 1/21/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Netflix's loss appears to be Amazon's gain. The Seattle-based e-commerce company has inked a multi-year, multi-national deal to carry Viacom shows, including kid favorites Dora the Explorer, The Backyardigans and Spongebob SquarePants. Also included in the mix for Amazon’s Prime Instant Video is programming from MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central such as Tosh.0, Workaholics and Awkward. The move comes just weeks after Viacom fare came off of rival Netflix, which opted not to renew its licensing deal with the cable giant. Amazon, for its part, has proved particularly aggressive in recent months as it looks to be a
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- 6/4/2013
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Giving props to the hottest shows and stars rocking the airwaves during the day, the 2013 Daytime Emmy Awards nominees were just unveiled.
And the top nod-getter this year is “The Young and The Restless” with 23 chances at glory, while “General Hospital” nabbed 19 mentions.
“Days of Our Lives” and “Sesame Street” both tied for third place thanks to 17 nominations each, and there are plenty of other big names on the list as well.
The 2013 Daytime Emmy Awards will take place on June 16th. The nominees are:
Outstanding Drama Series
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital ABC
One Life To Live
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Children’S Animated Program
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness
Penguins of Madagascar
Robot and Monster
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
WordGirl
Outstanding Children’S Series
The Aquabats! Super Show
Everyday Health
R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour The Series
SciGirls...
And the top nod-getter this year is “The Young and The Restless” with 23 chances at glory, while “General Hospital” nabbed 19 mentions.
“Days of Our Lives” and “Sesame Street” both tied for third place thanks to 17 nominations each, and there are plenty of other big names on the list as well.
The 2013 Daytime Emmy Awards will take place on June 16th. The nominees are:
Outstanding Drama Series
The Bold and the Beautiful
Days of Our Lives
General Hospital ABC
One Life To Live
The Young and the Restless
Outstanding Children’S Animated Program
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness
Penguins of Madagascar
Robot and Monster
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
WordGirl
Outstanding Children’S Series
The Aquabats! Super Show
Everyday Health
R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour The Series
SciGirls...
- 5/1/2013
- GossipCenter
The 42 annual NAACP Image Awards nominations were announced Wednesday (Jan. 12) by actresses Kimberly Elisa and Sanaa Lathan, rapper 50 Cent, singer Smokey Robinson and actors Columbus Short and Affion Crockett at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, CA.
ABC and NBC led the TV categories with 18 nominations each, followed by CBS and the Lifetime Movie Network with 10 apiece. "Grey's Anatomy" and "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" tied at five noms apiece, while "For Colored Girls" topped all other movies or TV series with seven nominations. Tyler Perry's film and television projects had a combined total of 20 nominations.
The entire list of nominees is as follows:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
• "30 Rock" (NBC)
• "Are We There Yet?" (TBS)
• "Glee" (Fox)
• "Modern Family" (ABC)
• "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" (TBS)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
• David Mann - "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns" (TBS)
• Dulé Hill - "Psych" (USA)
• Lavan Davis...
ABC and NBC led the TV categories with 18 nominations each, followed by CBS and the Lifetime Movie Network with 10 apiece. "Grey's Anatomy" and "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" tied at five noms apiece, while "For Colored Girls" topped all other movies or TV series with seven nominations. Tyler Perry's film and television projects had a combined total of 20 nominations.
The entire list of nominees is as follows:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
• "30 Rock" (NBC)
• "Are We There Yet?" (TBS)
• "Glee" (Fox)
• "Modern Family" (ABC)
• "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" (TBS)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
• David Mann - "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns" (TBS)
• Dulé Hill - "Psych" (USA)
• Lavan Davis...
- 1/12/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
The 42 annual NAACP Image Awards nominations were announced Wednesday (Jan. 12) by actresses Kimberly Elisa and Sanaa Lathan, rapper 50 Cent, singer Smokey Robinson and actors Columbus Short and Affion Crockett at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, CA.
The awards celebrate the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film. The awards will air live Friday, March 4 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt on Fox.
ABC and NBC led the TV categories with 18 nominations each, followed by CBS and the Lifetime Movie Network with 10 apiece. Lionsgate led the film categories with seven nominations and For Searchlight followed with six. "For Colored Girls" topped all other movies or TV series with seven nominations. Tyler Perry's film and television projects had a combined total of 20 nominations.
The entire list of nominees is as follows:
Motion Picture
Outstanding Motion Picture
• "For Colored Girls" (Lionsgate/34th Street...
The awards celebrate the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film. The awards will air live Friday, March 4 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt on Fox.
ABC and NBC led the TV categories with 18 nominations each, followed by CBS and the Lifetime Movie Network with 10 apiece. Lionsgate led the film categories with seven nominations and For Searchlight followed with six. "For Colored Girls" topped all other movies or TV series with seven nominations. Tyler Perry's film and television projects had a combined total of 20 nominations.
The entire list of nominees is as follows:
Motion Picture
Outstanding Motion Picture
• "For Colored Girls" (Lionsgate/34th Street...
- 1/12/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Tyler Perry dominated the NAACP 42nd Image Awards nominations. The renaissance man received nods from his movies and TV projects. Divided into three categories (television, recording, motion picture), the 42nd Image Awards will be held on March 4th.
Here's the complete list of nominees (Check our Awards Avenue for complete winners/nominees for all award-giving bodies):
Television
Comedy Series
"30 Rock" (NBC)
"Are We There Yet?" (TBS)
"Glee" (Fox)
"Modern Family" (ABC)
"Tyler Perry's House of Payne" (TBS)
Actor in a Comedy Series
David Mann - "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns" (TBS)
Dulé Hill - "Psych" (USA)
Lavan Davis - "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" (TBS)
Phil Morris - "Love That Girl!" (TV One)
Terry Crews - "Are We There Yet?" (TBS)
Actress in a Comedy Series
Cassi Davis - "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" (TBS)
Essence Atkins - "Are We There Yet?" (TBS)
Salli Richardson-Whitfield - "Eureka" (Syfy)
Tatyana Ali - "Love That Girl!
Here's the complete list of nominees (Check our Awards Avenue for complete winners/nominees for all award-giving bodies):
Television
Comedy Series
"30 Rock" (NBC)
"Are We There Yet?" (TBS)
"Glee" (Fox)
"Modern Family" (ABC)
"Tyler Perry's House of Payne" (TBS)
Actor in a Comedy Series
David Mann - "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns" (TBS)
Dulé Hill - "Psych" (USA)
Lavan Davis - "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" (TBS)
Phil Morris - "Love That Girl!" (TV One)
Terry Crews - "Are We There Yet?" (TBS)
Actress in a Comedy Series
Cassi Davis - "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" (TBS)
Essence Atkins - "Are We There Yet?" (TBS)
Salli Richardson-Whitfield - "Eureka" (Syfy)
Tatyana Ali - "Love That Girl!
- 1/12/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The Star Wars saga is about to go off in a very different direction, it seems…
Admit it, when you first heard of this story, it wasn't just us that was scrabbling around to check whether it was still April 1st. However, apparently what we're about to tell you is entirely true.
For it seems that LucasFilm, according to Variety, is set to make an animated television comedy series, based around the Star Wars franchise. The firm has hired Jennifer Hill to produce (she's worked on The Backyardigans), with Todd Grimes down to direct.
The writing team boasts The Daily Show's Brendan Hay, while Seth Green and Matthew Senreich have, according to Variety, "creative involvement". The pair created and executive produce Robot Chicken.
We've no idea when to expect this, nor who will be showing it. Although the usual Lucas approach to television programmes appears to be to make...
Admit it, when you first heard of this story, it wasn't just us that was scrabbling around to check whether it was still April 1st. However, apparently what we're about to tell you is entirely true.
For it seems that LucasFilm, according to Variety, is set to make an animated television comedy series, based around the Star Wars franchise. The firm has hired Jennifer Hill to produce (she's worked on The Backyardigans), with Todd Grimes down to direct.
The writing team boasts The Daily Show's Brendan Hay, while Seth Green and Matthew Senreich have, according to Variety, "creative involvement". The pair created and executive produce Robot Chicken.
We've no idea when to expect this, nor who will be showing it. Although the usual Lucas approach to television programmes appears to be to make...
- 4/8/2010
- Den of Geek
Lucasfilm Animation is currently developing a new 'satirical' animated "Star Wars" TV series.
Featuring creative involvement from Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, creators/executive producers of Emmy Award-winning "Robot Chicken", as well as writing from Brendan Hay ("The Daily Show"), the new series will look at the "Star Wars" characters with "...a playful and irreverent tone...", produced by Daytime Emmy and Gemini Award-winner Jennifer Hill ("The Backyardigans") and directed by Emmy-nominated Todd Grimes ("Back at the Barnyard").
“There are so many stories taking place in the 'Star Wars' universe, and they don’t all have to focus on the fate of the galaxy,” said Grimes.
"We’re looking at 'Star Wars' from a new perspective; this will be a glimpse at how the rest of the galaxy is affected by the events of the 'Saga'."
“The Star Wars universe is so dense and rich; it’s...
Featuring creative involvement from Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, creators/executive producers of Emmy Award-winning "Robot Chicken", as well as writing from Brendan Hay ("The Daily Show"), the new series will look at the "Star Wars" characters with "...a playful and irreverent tone...", produced by Daytime Emmy and Gemini Award-winner Jennifer Hill ("The Backyardigans") and directed by Emmy-nominated Todd Grimes ("Back at the Barnyard").
“There are so many stories taking place in the 'Star Wars' universe, and they don’t all have to focus on the fate of the galaxy,” said Grimes.
"We’re looking at 'Star Wars' from a new perspective; this will be a glimpse at how the rest of the galaxy is affected by the events of the 'Saga'."
“The Star Wars universe is so dense and rich; it’s...
- 4/7/2010
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
I saw the headline, and I knew that the Force was not with us today: Lucasfilm plans 'Star Wars' sitcom It’s like an Imperial dispatch that’s actually a trap, via Variety: Lucasfilm confirmed Monday it is developing a new animated "Star Wars" sitcom. No network or start date has been set for the laffer. Jennifer Hill, a Daytime Emmy winner for "The Backyardigans," will produce.
- 4/6/2010
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Lucasfilm announced Monday that they’re developing an animated Star Wars sitcom.
Seth Green (creator of 2 hilarious Robot Chicken Star Wars specials so far) is the creative consultant on the project and seems optimistic:
“Let us assure you this isn’t going to suck as much as you think it is. We can’t guarantee its excellence, but we’re swinging by the fences.”
So far we know it will not be a sketch comedy show like Robot Chicken, and it’s not a spoof. Robot Chicken creator/exec producer Matt Senreich said it will be a story comedy and “character driven.” It may include crossover appearances from the movie characters but as of now no crossovers with the hit Star Wars: The Clone Wars series are planned.
Producer Jennifer Hill (The Backyardigans) said the length of the episodes has not been decided, but they will be no longer than half-hours.
Seth Green (creator of 2 hilarious Robot Chicken Star Wars specials so far) is the creative consultant on the project and seems optimistic:
“Let us assure you this isn’t going to suck as much as you think it is. We can’t guarantee its excellence, but we’re swinging by the fences.”
So far we know it will not be a sketch comedy show like Robot Chicken, and it’s not a spoof. Robot Chicken creator/exec producer Matt Senreich said it will be a story comedy and “character driven.” It may include crossover appearances from the movie characters but as of now no crossovers with the hit Star Wars: The Clone Wars series are planned.
Producer Jennifer Hill (The Backyardigans) said the length of the episodes has not been decided, but they will be no longer than half-hours.
- 4/6/2010
- by Vactor
- FusedFilm
Lucasfilm Animation is developing an all-new animated "Star Wars" series with a "playful and irreverent tone" that plans to look at the more "comedic aspects" of the "Star Wars" universe according to a press release from Lucasfilm.
"Robot Chicken" creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich along with "The Daily Show" writer Brendan Hay will be creatively involved in the project which Jennifer Hill ("The Backyardigans") will produce and Todd Grimes ("Back at the Barnyard") will direct.
Cartoon Network currently airs the kiddie-aimed CG-animated action series spin-off "Star Wars: The Clone Wars". No word on which network would air this newest incarnation.
"Robot Chicken" creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich along with "The Daily Show" writer Brendan Hay will be creatively involved in the project which Jennifer Hill ("The Backyardigans") will produce and Todd Grimes ("Back at the Barnyard") will direct.
Cartoon Network currently airs the kiddie-aimed CG-animated action series spin-off "Star Wars: The Clone Wars". No word on which network would air this newest incarnation.
- 4/6/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Diversification is the key to maintaining a franchise's longevity. Marvel Comics, Disney and DC Comics are all examples of companies that have figured this strategy out for their franchises. And as more companies begin to enter their second and third generation of fans you will see this path start to get walked by more corporations with creative IPs.
Case in point for today's story: Lucasfilm and its Star Wars franchise. What began as a movie series and branched out into animated series and live-action shows continues to modify its styling. Now Star Wars is entering the comedy genre.
The company that Lucas built is employing proven talent to realize this new chapter in its vision of a galaxy far, far away. For the story component of this as-yet untitled comedic Star Wars animated series there will be involvement from Seth Green and Matthew Senrich, the co-creators of Robot Chicken. That...
Case in point for today's story: Lucasfilm and its Star Wars franchise. What began as a movie series and branched out into animated series and live-action shows continues to modify its styling. Now Star Wars is entering the comedy genre.
The company that Lucas built is employing proven talent to realize this new chapter in its vision of a galaxy far, far away. For the story component of this as-yet untitled comedic Star Wars animated series there will be involvement from Seth Green and Matthew Senrich, the co-creators of Robot Chicken. That...
- 4/6/2010
- by Patrick Sauriol
- Corona's Coming Attractions
From my inbox…
San Francisco, Calif. April 5, 2010) – Lucasfilm Animation is currently developing an all-new animated Star Wars series, focusing its efforts on the comedic aspects of the “galaxy far, far away.” Featuring creative involvement from Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, creators and executive producers of the Emmy and Annie Award-winning Robot Chicken, as well as writing from The Daily Show’s Brendan Hay, the series will look at the Saga’s characters with a playful and irreverent tone. The series will be produced by Daytime Emmy and Gemini Award-winner Jennifer Hill (The Backyardigans), and directed by Emmy-nominated Todd Grimes (Back at the Barnyard).
So, it’s a comedic Star Wars (although, some would say the franchise was already comedic enough – especially the 3 prequels) made for TV. Doesn’t matter to me; I’ll pass. I wish Lucas would just kill Star Wars, once and for all. Put that shit to bed!
San Francisco, Calif. April 5, 2010) – Lucasfilm Animation is currently developing an all-new animated Star Wars series, focusing its efforts on the comedic aspects of the “galaxy far, far away.” Featuring creative involvement from Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, creators and executive producers of the Emmy and Annie Award-winning Robot Chicken, as well as writing from The Daily Show’s Brendan Hay, the series will look at the Saga’s characters with a playful and irreverent tone. The series will be produced by Daytime Emmy and Gemini Award-winner Jennifer Hill (The Backyardigans), and directed by Emmy-nominated Todd Grimes (Back at the Barnyard).
So, it’s a comedic Star Wars (although, some would say the franchise was already comedic enough – especially the 3 prequels) made for TV. Doesn’t matter to me; I’ll pass. I wish Lucas would just kill Star Wars, once and for all. Put that shit to bed!
- 4/6/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Lucasfilm is developing a new, untitled animated Star Wars series intended as a comedic take on the characters from the massively successful sci-fi franchise.
Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, who have satirized Star Wars on their Adult Swim series “Robot Chicken” will have “creative involvement” in the animated show, along with “Daily Show” writer Brendan Hay. The animated comedy isn’t officially set up anywhere yet, but it’s expected to go to the Cartoon Network where Lucasfilm’s other animated series, “The Clone Wars,” is starting its third season this October.
Jennifer Hill (”The Backyardigans”) will produce and Todd Grimes (”Back at the Barnyard”) is signed to direct.
In quotes to the Hollywood Reporter, Green and Senreich said they hoped to “pull back the curtain on some of those behind-the-scenes shenanigans” and take a look at the “mundane, everyday problems” of the iconic characters. To the NY Times, Green...
Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, who have satirized Star Wars on their Adult Swim series “Robot Chicken” will have “creative involvement” in the animated show, along with “Daily Show” writer Brendan Hay. The animated comedy isn’t officially set up anywhere yet, but it’s expected to go to the Cartoon Network where Lucasfilm’s other animated series, “The Clone Wars,” is starting its third season this October.
Jennifer Hill (”The Backyardigans”) will produce and Todd Grimes (”Back at the Barnyard”) is signed to direct.
In quotes to the Hollywood Reporter, Green and Senreich said they hoped to “pull back the curtain on some of those behind-the-scenes shenanigans” and take a look at the “mundane, everyday problems” of the iconic characters. To the NY Times, Green...
- 4/5/2010
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
After two hit "Robot Chicken" parodies of "Star Wars," "Chicken" masterminds Seth Green and Matthew Senreich get to do the real thing.
Lucasfilm Animation on Monday announced it is developing a new animated "Star Wars" series that will take a comedic and irreverent look at the characters from the sci-fi franchise and will featuring creative involvement from Green and Senreich as well as writing from Brendan Hay ("The Daily Show").
Jennifer Hill ("The Backyardigans") will produce, with Todd Grimes ("Back at the Barnyard") on board to direct.
"The 'Star Wars' universe is so dense and rich; it's crazy to think that there aren't normal, mundane everyday problems in a world so well-defined," Green said. "What do these characters do when they're not overthrowing empires?"
Added Senreich, "We're going to pull back the curtain of some of those behind-the-scenes shenanigans."
There is no network announced for the new series,...
Lucasfilm Animation on Monday announced it is developing a new animated "Star Wars" series that will take a comedic and irreverent look at the characters from the sci-fi franchise and will featuring creative involvement from Green and Senreich as well as writing from Brendan Hay ("The Daily Show").
Jennifer Hill ("The Backyardigans") will produce, with Todd Grimes ("Back at the Barnyard") on board to direct.
"The 'Star Wars' universe is so dense and rich; it's crazy to think that there aren't normal, mundane everyday problems in a world so well-defined," Green said. "What do these characters do when they're not overthrowing empires?"
Added Senreich, "We're going to pull back the curtain of some of those behind-the-scenes shenanigans."
There is no network announced for the new series,...
- 4/5/2010
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lucasfilm Animation announced today it is developing an all-new animated "Star Wars" series, focusing its efforts on the comedic aspects of the "galaxy far, far away." Featuring creative involvement from Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, creators and executive producers of the Emmy and Annie Award-winning "Robot Chicken," as well as writing from "The Daily Show's" Brendan Hay, the series will look at the Saga's characters with a playful and irreverent tone. The series will be produced by Daytime Emmy and Gemini Award-winner Jennifer Hill ("The Backyardigans"), and directed by Emmy-nominated Todd Grimes ("Back at the Barnyard"). "There are so many stories taking place in the Star Wars universe, and they don't all have to...
- 4/5/2010
- Comingsoon.net
Regardless of your feelings about Star Wars, and the recent Clone Wars animated series, the appetite for all things Force-related remains healthy…just the way George Lucas likes it (unless, of course, we're talking about 1978's Star Wars Holiday Special; most of us tossed our giblets after watching that shocker). While there's no further word right now about the long-promised 'Star Wars' live action series, Lucasfilm Animation announced today it is developing an all-new animated 'Star Wars' series, apparently focusing its efforts on the comedic aspects of the "galaxy far, far away."
Featuring creative involvement from Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, creators and executive producers of the Emmy and Annie Award-winning Robot Chicken, as well as writing from The Daily Show's Brendan Hay, the series will look at the Saga's characters with a playful and irreverent tone. The series will be produced by Daytime Emmy...
Featuring creative involvement from Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, creators and executive producers of the Emmy and Annie Award-winning Robot Chicken, as well as writing from The Daily Show's Brendan Hay, the series will look at the Saga's characters with a playful and irreverent tone. The series will be produced by Daytime Emmy...
- 4/5/2010
- CinemaSpy
Six was the magic number for NAACP Image Awards nominations announced Wednesday (Jan. 6).
ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," the film "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" and the TNT's telepic "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" led with six nominations apiece.
In music, however, Jay-z and Maxwell led the way with five nods each.
The nominations were announced at a press conference that featured Tay Diggs, comedian Wanda Sykes, "Brothers Star" Michael Strahan, Tatyana Ali and Kyle and Chris Massey.
The 41st NAACP Image Awards will air live beginning at 8 p.m. Et on Friday, Feb. 26 on Fox.
Check out the nominees:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
"30 Rock" (NBC)
"Everybody Hates Chris"(CW)
"Glee"(Fox)
"Tyler Perry's House of Payne"(TBS)
"Ugly Betty"(ABC)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Daryl "Chill" Mitchell - "Brothers"(Fox)
Donald Faison - "Scrubs"(NBC)
Dulé Hill - "Psych"(USA Network)
Lavan Davis - "Tyler Perry's House of Payne...
ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," the film "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire" and the TNT's telepic "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" led with six nominations apiece.
In music, however, Jay-z and Maxwell led the way with five nods each.
The nominations were announced at a press conference that featured Tay Diggs, comedian Wanda Sykes, "Brothers Star" Michael Strahan, Tatyana Ali and Kyle and Chris Massey.
The 41st NAACP Image Awards will air live beginning at 8 p.m. Et on Friday, Feb. 26 on Fox.
Check out the nominees:
Television
Outstanding Comedy Series
"30 Rock" (NBC)
"Everybody Hates Chris"(CW)
"Glee"(Fox)
"Tyler Perry's House of Payne"(TBS)
"Ugly Betty"(ABC)
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Daryl "Chill" Mitchell - "Brothers"(Fox)
Donald Faison - "Scrubs"(NBC)
Dulé Hill - "Psych"(USA Network)
Lavan Davis - "Tyler Perry's House of Payne...
- 1/6/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
"Precious" leads the nominations for the 41st annual NAACP Image Awards earning eight noms including Best Director for Lee Daniels, Best Actress for Gabourey Sidibe, Supporting Actress for Mariah Carey, Monique, and Paula Patton, and Best Supporting Actor for Lenny Kravitz.
"Precious" also got nods for Outstanding Motion Picture and Outstanding Independent Film. Other films nominated were "Invictus," "Michael Jackson's This Is It," "The Blind Side," and "The Princess and the Frog."
Winners will be announced Feb. 26 on Fox.
Here's the complete list of nominees for the 41st annual NAACP Image Awards:
Motion Picture Categories
Outstanding Motion Picture
. "The Blind Side" (Warner Bros. Pictures)
. "Invictus" (Warner Bros. Pictures)
. "Michael Jackson's: This Is It" (Columbia Pictures)
. "Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire" (Lionsgate)
. "The Princess and the Frog" (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
. Denzel Washington , "The Taking of Pelham 123" (Columbia Pictures...
"Precious" also got nods for Outstanding Motion Picture and Outstanding Independent Film. Other films nominated were "Invictus," "Michael Jackson's This Is It," "The Blind Side," and "The Princess and the Frog."
Winners will be announced Feb. 26 on Fox.
Here's the complete list of nominees for the 41st annual NAACP Image Awards:
Motion Picture Categories
Outstanding Motion Picture
. "The Blind Side" (Warner Bros. Pictures)
. "Invictus" (Warner Bros. Pictures)
. "Michael Jackson's: This Is It" (Columbia Pictures)
. "Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire" (Lionsgate)
. "The Princess and the Frog" (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
. Denzel Washington , "The Taking of Pelham 123" (Columbia Pictures...
- 1/6/2010
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
CBS is partnering with DIC Entertainment, a brand management company, to launch a new kids programming block that will be titled "CBS' Secret Saturday Morning Slumber Party." The block will premiere this fall, as CBS moves in a new direction, abandoning its carriage of sister cable network Nickelodeon's Nick Jr. programming block which has been airing on CBS on Saturday mornings for several years. Gone will be current Nick Jr. shows like LazyTown, Go, Diego, Go!, Dora the Explorer, The Backyarigans, Little Bill and Blue's Clues. Replacing them in the new block will be shows from DIC's content libarary.
- 1/19/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
TORONTO -- Canadian cartoon producer Nelvana Ltd. on Monday said it has sold four cartoon series to Nick Germany ahead of its fall launch. Nickelodeon's German kids channel, set to go live in September, has picked up a package of Nelvana programming that includes 20 episodes of 3-D musical adventure series The Backyardigans, 26 episodes of the preschool series Max & Ruby, another 49 episodes of Care Bears, and episodes 27 through 54 of Braceface. In a statement, Markus Andorfer, the newly installed program director at Nick Germany, said the four Nelvana series will complement Nick's own cartoon series. Andorfer hammered out the deal with Wiebke Hoefer, Nelvana's sales director for Eastern and Central Europe, Turkey and Israel.
- 7/11/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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