Nick makes a play date with Mattel

Nickelodeon Latin America and Mattel have signed a deal to co-develop a number of new TV projects, including a 13 x three-minute interstitial series featuring Mattel’s My Scene line of urban-flavored dolls.

Launching in Spanish-speaking Latin America in Q3 (and a few months later in Brazil), the shorts are designed to play as an interactive soap opera. The first five episodes will introduce the characters, and then viewers can steer the plot of the remaining eight eps by voting on-line. Nick Latin America will also broadcast two hour-long mini-movies based on the My Scene brand; Jammin’ in Jamaica is set to air in June, and Masquerade Madness will follow in Q4.

Off-air, Mattel and Nick Latin America have been working together on a year-long study exploring the attitudes and habits of kids in Mexico, the findings of which will be revealed this month at La Voz del Niño Mexicano Hoy (Kids Forum) in Mexico City. Melisa Quiñoy, senior VP of marketing partnerships in Latin America for MTV Networks International, says this multi-platform relationship with Mattel will involve additional properties and projects in the long-term.

BBC and Bright Things bring preschoolers into the game

BBC Worldwide is raising the bar on interactive connection with preschool viewers through a deal with Somerset, England-based game console developer Bright Things. Characters from Teletubbies, Fimbles and Tweenies will be brought to life in educational interactive games that can be played using a regular DVD player and a unique remote control designed specifically for little hands.

Bright Things’ main point of difference in comparison with other home entertainment games is its console, which features large flashing buttons and interchangeable clip-on faceplates. The company hopes to launch the systems in the U.K. by early 2005.

Headed up by ex-Eidos Interactive executives Dominic Wheatley and John Kavanagh, Bright Things will have a first option on this unique license for all new BBC children’s properties (where the broadcaster holds ancillary rights). Meanwhile, BBC Worldwide will set up a team to create new DVD games based on its current library of preschool properties, including Little Robots, Bill & Ben and Balamory.