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Backyardigans Headed to Home Vid, Discovered in Latin America

Nelvana has announced two new deals for its property THE BACKYARDIGANS one with Paramount Home Ent. Intl and the other with Discovery Kids in Latin America.

The agreement with Paramount Home Ent. Intl is for the video release of THE BACKYARDIGANS in the U.K., Latin America, Spain, Germany, Italy, France and Scandinavia.

Paramount distributes the title on behalf of Nickelodeon in the U.S. and for Nelvana in Canada based on a previous agreement. Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products, which manages international licensing for THE BACKYARDIGANS outside of Canada, is preparing to launch consumer product programs in key markets around the world that will complement the release of the home entertainment titles.

This agreement is consistent with Nelvana Home Ent.s long-term strategy to secure more multi-territory deals, said Peter Maule, vp home entertainment and retail distribution, Nelvana. THE BACKYARDIGANS is a cornerstone property for Nelvana and Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products. We believe that Paramounts incredible distribution network, combined with its sales and marketing prowessas well Nickelodeons strong merchandising effortswill ensure the successful launch of THE BACKYARDIGANS as a consumer products franchise.

Nelvana is an ideal partner for us because the company has a proven track record of creating programs that entertain children around the world, said Pauline Fischer, vp of worldwide acquisitions, Paramount Home Ent. Were looking forward to working closely with them to release THE BACKYARDIGANS in these key territories.

The Discovery Kids deal will bring the series to Latin American market. Under terms of a just-inked broadcast deal, Discovery Kids will acquire episodes 1 to 20 of the 3D preschool series, co-produced by Nickelodeon and Nelvana, for broadcast in Latin America in 2006.

Discovery Kids is the perfect home for this spirited blend of limitless imagination and creative expression, said Doug Murphy, evp of business development. With THE BACKYARDIGANS gaining ratings ground in several international territories, we are confident that the series will track well with family audiences in Latin America.

We are pleased to strengthen our relationship with a strong regional player such as Discovery Kids, said Leyla Formoso, director of sales for Latin America and Iberia. We are optimistic that THE BACKYARDIGANS will strike a musical chord with kids in Latin America.

Music and interactivity are elements that keep our young audiences moving, says Bilai Joa Silar, director of programming for Discovery Kids Latin America. THE BACKYARDIGANS joins a line up of programs that contributes to the development of active viewers and provides them with tools to become healthy adults.

THE BACKYARDIGANS features musical adventures that help kids develop their imaginations and express themselves creatively as they sing and dance along with five high-spirited TV pals: Pablo, the quick-moving penguin; mellow moose Tyrone, thrill-seeking Uniqua; ladylike hippo Tasha and shy kangaroo Austin. For the Backyardigans gang, daily backyard play dates bring fantasy to life. Each episode features kid-friendly tunes suitable for sing-a-long.

THE BACKYARDIGANS was created by Janice Burgess, exec producer for the award-winning series BLUES CLUES and LITTLE BILL. Robert Scull is exec producer/supervising director, and Jonny Belt is co-exec producer/supervising creative director. THE BACKYARDIGANS original music is composed by accomplished musician Evan Lurie, one of the original members of the eclectic musical group The Lounge Lizards.

Nelvana Ltd. is one of the worlds leading international producers and distributors of childrens programming and products. Nelvana is owned by Corus Ent., a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in both specialty TV and radio. The companys other interests include music, television broadcasting and advertising services. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto and New York Exchanges. More information can be found at www.corusentertainment.com.

Nickelodeon, the worlds only multimedia entertainment brand dedicated exclusively to kids, which first launched in the U.S. in 1979, consists of 28 channels, 21 branded program blocks and two broadband services across Africa, Asia and the Pacific Rim, CIS/Baltic Republics, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S.

Paramount Home Ent. Intl is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc., one of the worlds largest entertainment and media companies, and a leader in the production, promotion, and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and music.

Discovery Kids is the first and only 24/7 channel in Latin America dedicated to the youngest of viewers. It provides a unique environment that nurtures childrens curiosity using characters and stories, enabling them to relate to real life experiences. All of Discovery Kids programming stimulates at least one of the three basic educational areas for the childs development: cognitive skills; personal, social & emotional skills; and physical skills.

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Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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