DULLES, VA, March, 2005 -- America Online, the leading interactive services company, has signed a major licensing deals with the Cartoon Network and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers to extend its original "Princess Natasha" webisode series beyond the Internet. Twenty original animated short cartoons developed for the KOL™ kids service by independent animation house, Animation Collective, will be available on television later this year, marking one of the first online children's animated properties to make this transition. In addition, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers will release the first two books in its series of $3.99 Princess Natasha digest books in May 2006.
"We feel strongly that these deals represent a major shift in the way original Internet programming is being perceived by the entertainment industry," said Malcolm Bird, AOL's Senior Vice President and General Manager, Kids and Teens Programming. "With the increased adoption of broadband, the time is right for innovative online video programming to set a new bar. We are excited to be the innovators and leaders in the area of original Internet programming and believe that this is just the start for a strong web series like Princess Natasha in extending beyond the Web."
“Princess Natasha will be a great addition to Cartoon Network’s line-up of girl power series, like Atomic Betty and Totally Spies” said Bob Higgins, Senior Vice president of Programming and Original Animation for Cartoon Network. “We think it’s a fun cartoon that kids can relate to with exciting characters, adventurous plotlines and a unique look.”
“Princess Natasha has been a huge hit on KOL and we are thrilled to be bringing these fun characters to bookshelves nationwide,” said David Ford, Publisher, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. “We are certain that the book series will help expand the growing fan base even further.”
Throughout the first season, millions of kids have followed the escapades of the strong heroine through original webisodes jam-packed with action, adventure and humor. Season two's 10 weekly webisodes continue to follow Princess Natasha's adventures as she captures the invisibility spray, finds Zoravia's stolen national treasure and discovers a double agent. In addition to the webisodes, KOL launched a series of Princess Natasha online games and a web-based comic book series.
About "Princess Natasha"
Princess Natasha, the student secret agent, came from the beautiful, friendly country of Zoravia that inspired the quaint town of Fountain Park, IL, to change its name to Zoravia. As the real Princess to the country, she has been charged to go to Zoravia, IL, to find the evil Lubek and stop him from destroying her home country. Watch Princess Natasha through her zany adventures as she becomes an exchange student while doubling as a spy.
About Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
For over 160 years, Little, Brown has produced many children’s classics including Jerry Spinelli's Newbery Medal winner Maniac Magee and the Newbery-Honor book Mr. Poppers Penguins as well as Marc Brown's best-selling Arthur Adventure series. In addition, Little, Brown has published such favorites as Where's Waldo, Look-Alikes, I Love You Like Crazy Cakes, Todd Parr’s It’s Okay to be Different, Holly Hobbie’s Toot & Puddle books as well as the Matt Christopher series, the top selling sports series for kids. Most recently Little, Brown has brought to the market The New York Times bestselling Gossip Girl series and the Megan Tingley Books imprint had two National Book Award Finalists with Luna by Julie Anne Peters and Harlem Stomp! by Laban Carrick Hill. This spring, Little, Brown will publish the young reader debuts of notable adult authors David Baldacci, Walter Mosley, and James Patterson.
About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network, currently seen in 87.1 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network showcases unique original ventures such as Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Codename: Kids Next Door, Teen Titans, The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Ed, Edd n Eddy and other Cartoon Cartoons. Cartoon Network also features Adult Swim, a late-night block of animation for grown-ups. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable’s highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network’s Web site is located at http://CartoonNetwork.com (AOL Keyword: Cartoon Network). Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
About KOL™ Service for Kids
Winner of the 2004 National Parenting Seal of Approval, The KOL service is the first version of the America Online(tm) service designed entirely for kids. Combining exclusive content from industry leading kids' brands and original programming, the KOL service is fully integrated with AOL's award-winning Parental Controls, offering kids a safer and more secure online environment.
About America Online, Inc.
America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services. |