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via Nickelodeon press release:

NICKELODEON SELECTS 12 ORIGINAL COMEDY-DRIVEN SHORTS FROM 2013 ANIMATED SHORTS PROGRAM

Network Takes Almost 900 Pitches from New Set of Creative Voices and Visionaries

Burbank, Calif. – May 7, 2013 – Nickelodeon’s second annual Animated Shorts Program, which is designed to identify and develop original comedy-driven content for kids, garnered close to 900 pitches from artists, designers, writers, directors and comedians globally. Twelve ideas were chosen from the program and will be developed into animated shorts with the potential to air on Nickelodeon, appear on www.nick.com, or on the recently launched Nick App. Nickelodeon will be expanding the Animation Shorts Program and launching an international version in the coming months.

“Nickelodeon received a striking response from all corners of the globe during the 2013 Animated Shorts Program submission period,” said Russell Hicks, Nickelodeon President of Content Development and Production. “We’re thrilled to develop the new characters, relatable storylines and funny kid-inspired content from these 12 concepts into fully realized animated shorts.”

Concepts were received in all animation styles, from 2D, digital 2D, stop motion, CG and mixed media, from a broad pool of creative talent. Creators of the 12 shorts will be provided with the necessary artistic and production support teams to help them complete their fully animated original, humor-based and character-driven shorts.

“In only our second year of the program, we have already tapped into a broad pool of talented artists, designers and directors,” said Jenna Boyd, Senior Vice President, Animation Development, Nickelodeon Group. “We look forward to developing this original and innovative content across all of our platforms, especially our Nick App which is really resonating with our audience.”

Four of the finalists selected from the second annual Animated Shorts Program are “Bug Salad,” “Earmouse and Bottle,” “Welcome to Woodstump” and “Broats.” From up-and-coming Sanjay and Craig director Carl Faruolo, “Bug Salad” is about a naïve fly pulled between his two best friends, one that’s scared of everything and one that’s scared of nothing. In “Earmouse and Bottle,” storyboard artist Brian Morante tells the story of an indestructible Earmouse and a fragile Bottle who seek revenge after they have been cursed by an evil wizard. Set in a forest town, artist Zach Smith introduces “Welcome to Woodstump,” where Dennis Deer finds himself on an epic quest to get home unseen when he discovers he accidentally wore his mom’s jeans. “Broats,” from artist Jack Cusamano, centers on three slacker bro goats who capitalize on their “goatiness” by running their own petting zoo at Shopmerica.

Last year, more than 600 pitches were collected during Nickelodeon’s inaugural Animated Shorts Program. From the pitches, 12 shorts were created, six are currently in series development and two will get pilot orders. All 12 will air on the network, or appear on www.nick.com or on Nickelodeon’s new app. Pam and Sid’s Port-a-Party, featuring two hyperactive meerkats that turn an ordinary port-a-potty into their very own port-a-party, is one of shorts that will call the Nick App home.

As the leader in television animation production, Nickelodeon has a legacy of creating ground breaking animated shows including The Fairly OddParents, SpongeBob SquarePants, Fanboy and Chum Chum, Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Legend of Korra, which are all produced at the Nickelodeon Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).