Already working their way well into the 2007-year of television programming, Cartoon Network's annual Upfront conference delivered once again to awaiting animation fans, critics and associates a wide but accurate preview of how the network plans on approaching the up and coming seasons. At Cartoon Network Upfront this year, Cartoon Network made several announcements: new program acquisitions, the greenlight of several existing programs and the go-ahead for some intriguing multi-media projects as well. The following press article notes the Network's newest endeavor, as an extension of their GET ANIMATED project, which will hopefully make the Network a more interactive place for young viewers.
Cartoon Network is calling upon kids 6-14 years of age to help identify and nominate real-world kids from across the country who demonstrate an exceptional talent, commitment and accomplishment in a single area of expertise. Cartoon Network’s camera crews will visit the top 16 nominees in order to create a series of profiles highlighting their talent. These pieces will then air this summer on Cartoon Network and live online at CartoonNetwork.com, forming the centerpiece to Cartoon Network’s newest pro-social campaign, aptly entitled “Props.” Viewers will then be given the opportunity to review each of these remarkable kids’ stories and will be asked to vote for six finalists in a series of face-off challenges. The winners will ultimately be showcased in a one-hour television special airing in September during which each child will be rewarded a “dream experience” in their area of excellence. “Props” is the newest campaign presented as part of Cartoon Network’s ongoing GET ANIMATED initiative, which encourages kids to get active, get healthy and get involved.
“This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for special, passionate kids to be recognized on a national level for their unique skills, whether it be with an instrument, a sport, a hobby, a game or an intellectual pursuit,” said Jill Shields, vice president of promotions marketing for Cartoon Network. “We hope to find all sorts of kids whose particular skills will prove inspirational and serve as role models for our audiences. Once they are selected and narrowed down through voting, the real fun begins for us as we start planning a truly mind-blowing dream experience for each of the six finalists.”
As a multi-platform event, “Props” will begin with a call to action running Jan. 1 – Feb. 25, whereby a 30-second on-air and online spot invites viewers to send in written submissions of outstanding kids who have a remarkable gift or talent. This summer, a series of profiles will then air as interstitial programming on Cartoon Network and online at CartoonNetwork.com/props from May 21 – June 29, 2007. Additional material and outtakes also will live on the official “Props” program Web site.
Kids will be empowered to vote for their favorite profiles in a face-off challenge from June 30 – July 14 at CartoonNetwork.com. The six finalists ultimately will each be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience focused on their particular passion in a one-hour prime time special airing Sept. 1 on Cartoon Network.
About Cartoon Network: Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34. 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.