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ANIMATION WORLD MAGAZINE - ISSUE 4.1 - April 1999

Internet and Interactive

B. Happy and Maureen, created by Mark Newgarden. & ©1998 Cartoon Network.
Cartoon Net Premieres Original Web `Toons. Cartoon Network.com debuted two original interactive on-line cartoon series on February 22. As each cartoon unfolds, users can make choices about which direction the story will take. Pink Donkey And Fly, created by pop culture icon Gary Panter, is the unlikely love story between a pink donkey and a fly as they try to keep clear of The Ol' Coot and his troublesome wife, Maw. B. Happy, from renowned underground satirist Mark Newgarden, follows the bluebird of happiness, B. Happy, who wants to rid the world of misery. Cartoon Network hopes to use these "Web Premiere Toons" as a way to test pilots and concepts for the television network. Both of these cartoons were developed by Cartoon Network Online in conjunction with New York City-based Funny Garbage, a full-service design and production company that also created the Cartoon Network website. "Funny Garbage's technology expertise has been outstanding -- second only to their creative heart and soul. Together, they are the glue of Web Premiere Toons," commented Sam Register, VP and creative director of Cartoon Network Online. The network is reportedly planning to deliver five more series by next year.

Nick's Interactive Nozzle. Nickelodeon has announced a new endeavor tentatively titled "Project Nozzle." This initiative will transform the Nick.com website from its current TV-centric position into a full, free online service for kids. Project Nozzle, which will compete with Walt Disney's Disney Blast and Disney Channel's Zoog Disney services on the Disney.com site, will have such features as guided Web tours, auditoriums, bulletin boards, moderated chats and e-mail, along with kid content from a wide range of content creators and partners. Nickelodeon president Herb Scannell stated, "Just as Nickelodeon transformed television by providing the first full-time network for kids, 'Project Nozzle' will transform the Web by offering kids the first registered community including all of the features that adult portals provide, but in an environment built just for kids." The service is scheduled to launch on September 1, 1999, with testing slated to begin on June 1. Nickelodeon has acquired two companies to help assist in this huge online venture: Nvolve, Inc., a San Mateo-based Web developer; and Red Rocket, an online educational retailer. As part of these new online efforts, Viacom is announcing the creation of a new Internet division with a satellite office in San Mateo. This is not a replacement for the Nick.com site but rather an expansion to help create a home base for kids on the Web.


Note: Readers may contact any Animation World Magazine contributor by sending an e-mail to editor@awn.com.