Indiana Gazette from Indiana, Pennsylvania • Page 40

E-4 Sunday, December 17, 2006 LEISURE: ENTERTAINMENT -Snftiana OSasttte SPONGEBOB SQUAREPROFITS Nickelodeon makes its mark and its money with cartoons By EDWARD WYATT New York Times News Service LOS ANGliLES To a parent of ele- children, cartoons can sometimes appear to be the hies ot television: they never die but replay endlessly, sucking the life out of youngsters, and any adults who unwittingly stray into the room. In reality, animated series aimed at children come and go as rapidly as their live-action counterparts on prime time. Of the 10 highest-rated animated children's shows for the last television season, only two were on the list five years earlier, and none were there five years before that. There has been one constant in the field over the last decade, however: Nickelodeon, the cable channel that last year hud nine of the Top 10 most- watched animated series for children. The home of the current hits "Sponge- Bob SquarePants, Hie Fairly OddPar- ents." and "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius," Nickelodeon shows few signs of slowing down.

In 2007, it will show nearly 100 episodes of new animation, a considerable feat given that a single installment of "SpongeBob" or his peers typically takes about nine months to produce. "The amount of time it takes doesn't bother us. because these shows play tor years and years and years," said Cyma the president of Nickelodeon, in a recent interview at its rapidly expanding animation studios in Burbunk. AMONG THE series to be introduced in the coming months are "F.I Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera." a cartoon about a latino family of superheroes and supervillains, created by a Mexican husband-and-wife team: "Ni Hao, Kailan." a series for preschoolers created by a first-generation Chinese-American; and "Tak and the Power of luju," based on a video game set in the fantasy world of the Pupanunu people. Also in development is an animated series based on characters from the feature film "Barnyard," and "Mighty a cartoon about a sweet, merit-badge-obsessed girl scout created by Amy Poehler, of "Saturday Night Live." in the last two years, the Disney Channel has been eating into Nickelodeon's long-standing spot as the top-ranked cable network among children, rapidly- gaining viewers while Nickelodeon's ratings have been edging up, but only slightly.

But the Disney Channel has made a specialty out of scripted, live-action series. Nickelodeon makes that type of series, too. but cartoons are the engine that powers the bus. "Animation really is the heart and soul of our business," Zarghami said. It accounts, she said, for more than 70 percent of annual revenues from advertising and licensing of consumer products.

(Viacom. Nickelodeon's parent, does not break out individual "SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS 1 Associated Press has been a consistent ratings grabber lor Nickelodeon. company revenues.) The raft of new animation coming to Nickelodeon in 2007, Zarghami said, is not a direct result of the rising competition from the Disney Channel and others. "Our business is cyclical," she said. "Some years we have more new live action, some years more animation and some years more new shows for preschoolers." And while Nickelodeon intends to continue producing all of those genres, "animation will remain at the center." she said.

"That is the stuff that plays around the world, it plays on broadband channels as well as television, and it translates into toys." LOTS OF them, in fact. Both "Sponge- Bob" and "Dora the F.xplorer." the animated bilingual show for preschoolers, have generated more than $1 billion in revenues from advertising and licensing of consumer products since their debuts in 1999 and 2000 If things go according to plan, children could be dressing up next Halloween as "F.I Tigre." a well-meaning 13-year-old who is alternately drawn to emulating the good deeds of his father, the semi- retired superhero White Pantera, and the evil acts of his grandfather, the tamed super-villain Puma Loco. Though the series is by and about latinos, "we think all of the stuff that happens to Manny could happen to kids in any culture," said Sandra Equihua, who created the series with her husband, Jorge Gutierrez. "El Tigre" explores arenas of Latino culture that are not touched upon by "Dora." The White Pantera wears a Mexican wrestling mask, for example, and the villains are often characters drawn from Mexican folklore, like Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a holiday that honors and celebrates loved ones who have died. THE RIVERA family lives in crime- plagued Miracle City, which Gutierrez said was "a combination of Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City, and Rio." Puma Loco, the grandfather, wears a sombrero, other villains wear bandoleers, and all the characters speak with a heavy Spanish accent.

"Why not?" said Gutierrez, who was born in Mexico City and lived in Tijuana, before attending college at the California Institute of the Arts, in Valencia, Calif. "I have an accent that I can't get rid of." The hope of course is that "El Tigre" will appeal not only to the rapidly expanding Hispanic audience but to children from all backgrounds. And that fans of the show will be inclined to purchase merchandise. As difficult as it is to predict whether a show will be a hit, it is more difficult to anticipate the demand for related consumer goods. Zarghami noted that "The Fairly OddParents," about a boy with two shape-shifting fairy godparents who get him out of trouble (after sometimes helping him get into it), and "Hey about a city-savvy fourth- grader, "were some of the highest rated animated shows for years, but we couldn't sell a T-shirt" with any of those characters on it.

A SHOWS survival is not dependent on those extra revenues. And Zargha- mi's point about the unusually long life of some animated series is particularly relevant in the case of "SpongeBob." It will surpass 100 episodes late next year. While that milestone is not as important as it is for sitcoms, which need their episodes to number in the triple digits to allow for daily syndication, it nevertheless testifies to its importance as a franchise. "One of the great things about animation is that you can play it over and over again, and kids will still watch it," Zarghami said. "With live action, they won't." Witness the results from the network's recent 24-hour "SpongeBob" marathon, capped by a single new episode and the first television broadcast of "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" (2004).

Those "SpongeBob" episodes accounted for 25 of the 40 highest-rated shows on cable for the week, each drawing from 3.3 million to 6.6 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. Not surprisingly. Nickelodeon has recently signed up "SpongeBob" for a sixth season. (The show was on hiatus for more than a year during the production of the movie.) NICKELODEON ALSO added to its original orders for three series before they even reached the air. "El Tigre," "Tak," and "Mighty each have had their contracts extended from 13 episodes to 20.

Zarghami cites Nickelodeon's willingness to invest in shows for the long term as something that sets it apart from rivals. As an example, she points to "Avatar: The Last Airbender," an anime- inspired cartoon that took six years to go from idea to a completed first episode, much longer than normal. Last season, it was the eighth-highest rated animated children's series, according to Nielsen. Similarly "Ni Hao, Kai-lan," which among its bolder tasks will attempt to teach kids elements of basic Mandarin, has been in development for three years. "Kids have an appetite for the new," Zarghami said, explaining the importance of developing series.

"They don't want to just see the old stuff if they can see new stuff." IT'S HAPPENING HERE THROUGH DECEMBER "Vanished Indian Trails ofWestern Pennsylvania" includes relics, pictures, storyhoards and replicas at the Indiana County Historical Museum, 621 Wayne Ave. The display illustrates the paths, many of which have become roads and highways of today, traversed by American Indians. Displays of early coal mining towns, early country schools and a tour of the Victorian House are available. The Veterans' Memorial exhibit honoring Indiana County's veterans of the Civil War and other wars is on display. Museum hours are 9 a.m.

to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Santa's Place will hold holiday festivities, including visits and pictures with Santa, with real heard and sleigh, and Rudolph.

Santa can even have the picture put on a T- shin, mug or button. Hot chocolate, nachos and cheese, hot dogs, pizza, trench fries and other snacks will be for sale. Santa's Place is open 4-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday through Sunday. There is no charge for admission; donations will be accepted. To get to Santa's Place, take Route 219 to Route 53 (South exit) and turn right. Go 300 yards, turn right onto Nelson Road and go WM) yards to Santa's Place. For more information, call (814) 495-3044.

Indiana Art Association is exhibiting architectural drawings and pastels by artist William Double at the Calvary Presbyterian Church Chalice Room, 695 School Indiana. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Use the School Street entrance.

Mother-Daughter Package, which includes use of the hot tub or a foot soak, a 60-rninule massage of your choice, a facial, dessert and flowers, is being offered by The Woods Spa, at 965 Ray Road, Penn Run. for $195 for two. Call (724) 349-2192 to schedule. THROUGH JANUARY Indiana Art Association is exhibiting culinary- themed artwork in the Indiana County Technology Center's bistro-style restaurant, open from 9 to JO a.m. for breakfast and 1 p.m.

for lunch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Menus are available by calling (724) 349-6700. ext. 151. THROUGH MARCH Indiana An Association is exhibiting Treasures on the Walls, a collection of works by jolcne Joyner, Pam Sagely, Bill Double, Carola Lippert, Kelly Moore.

J.I), and Daria Varner. Anna Mae Pinizzorto and Linda Stiieler, at Thee Village FxJtinghouse in Smicksburg. The restaurant hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Winter hours begin Feb. 2, Friday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call (724) 349-9199. Winter Getaway Package, which includes a foot soak experience, a 60-minute massage, apple pie and flowers for $65 for one person and $120 for two, is being offered by The Woods Spa, at 965 Ray Road, Penn Run, for $195 for two. Call (724) 349-2192 to schedule.

Winter Deluxe Package, which includes a sauna or hot tub experience, 60-minute hot stone massage, herbal facial or back scrub, apple pie and flowers for $95 for one or $175 for two, is being offered by The Woods Spa, at 965 Ray Road, Penn Hun. Add lunch for $12 each. Call (724) 349 2192 to schedule. TODAY "The King and an adaptation for pre-high school students of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, will be presented by The Indiana Players. The show will be at 2 p.m.

Shows will be held ai The Philadelphia Street Playhouse, 723 Philadelphia Indiana. Cost is $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. For tickets, call (724) 4637122. Holiday events at Fleming's Christmas Tree Farm: You can choose and cut your family's Christmas tree right off the farm or choose a fresh-cut tree from the lot. The newly expanded Christmas Shop at the Indiana location on Fleming Road is open from 9 a.m.

to 5 p.m. New this year is the Kiddies' Corner. While you're busy shopping, the children can make a holiday craft and participate in other holiday activities. The shop features unique and traditional items to decorate with and to purchase as gifts. Horse-drawn wagon rides will be available today.

Don't forget your camera. The New Alexandria location, two miles east of New Alexandria on Route 22, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (724) 463-0570. Ham and holupki dinner will be held from noon to 2 p.m.

ai St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 465 Morris Cost is $8 for adults. Takeout will be available. TODAY, DEC. 23, 30 "It's a Wonderful Life" will be shown at 2 p.m.

at the Jimmy Stewart Museum Theater, Indiana. Tickets cost $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and S3 for those ages 7-17. Members are admitted for free. TODAY THROUGH JAM. 1 Festival of Lights will be held from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

at Blue Spruce Park. Cost is $6 a car. Santa will visit the gift shop from 6 to 8 p.m. today and on Dec. 23.

The last night for the gift shop is Dec. 23. For more information, call (724) 4a3 8636. Trolley rides will beheld Dec. 21, sponsored by Walbeck Insurance.

The rides will be at 5:30 and 7 p.m. The trolley departs from the Atrium on Philadelphia Street. The guided tour includes downtown highlights, Festival of Lights and a stop at the gift shop. Cost is $3 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under. Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Trolley rides provided by the Indiana County Tourist Bureau. For more information, call (724) 463-7505 or visit www.visitindianacountypa.org. DEC. 18-29 Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday through Friday only at the Two IJck Valley Social Center, 450 Franklin Clymer. For more information, call (724) 254-8920. DEC. 30, 31 "Buckin' in the New Year at Kay Arena" will be held at 8 p.m. at the arena, on 393 Mabon Drive, Indiana.

For more information, call (724) 465-5370. JAN. 7 "Healthy Hormones," a discussion about hormone imbalance among women with PMS, menopause and breast cancer, with Fran Huey, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Woods Spa, Penn Run.

Cost is $15 a person. Register by calling (724) 349-2192. JAN.19 "Medical Healing Properties of Herbs," with herbalist Melissa Rudd, will be held from 6-8 p.m. at The Woods Spa, Penn Run. Cost is $15 a person.

Register by calling (724)349-2192. JAM. 20 Indiana County Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 2007 will be held. For more information, call (724) 4652511. JAN.

23 "Your Path to Happiness," 10 steps to realize authentic happiness, with Lee Schweitzer, will be held from 6-8 p.m. at The Woods Spa, Penn Run. Cost is $15 a person. Register by calling (724) 349-2192. The Indiana County Tourist Bureau provides this information.

Information in this listing is for bureau members only. For more information, call (724) 463- 7505 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You also can visit the bureau's Web site at www.visitindi anacounty pa.org.

Events are subject to change. Speaking of soaps ONE LIFE TO LIVE: Bo pieces together what he knows of Spencer's "escape" and starts to believe that he was abducted by someone who wanted to do him harm. Blair discovers that she is, indeed, pregnant and prays to God that the child isn't Spencer's. TMS WEEK: Spencer lashes out in a big way against Todd. Starr and Langston have a rather loud "disagreement" about Cole.

ALL MY CHILDREN: An emotionally distraught Babe confesses her feelings to JR and points out that neither of them is faultless in their marriage. Wanting desperately to be one big happy family again, she asks him if they can patch up their marriage. Josh is absolutely horrified to find Erin dead on the roof at Fusion. TWS WEEK: Jonathan removes Erin's things from her office space at Fusion. JR opens up to Colby and admits that he's still in love with Babe.

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason's fake ID fools the cop that pulled them over and they find Spinelli's grandma's house. Jason plays along when Grandma Miriam assumes Lulu's pregnant with Spinelli's baby. Spinelli peeks inside to see Jason and Lulu, who can't take Miriam's pride in the fact that Lulu didn't have an abortion. TMS WEEK: Sam decides to move back in with Jason and hopes to have his baby ASAP. Carly tells Jax she's going to the island to bring Sonny home.

GUIDING LIGHT: Jonathan enlists Reva and Josh's help with doing things for Sarah. Josh admits Sarah still feels like his first grandchild and Reva is truly touched. Meanwhile, Lizzie admits to Ashlee that she's tired of Jonathan not taking notice of her, and Ashlee reminds her that she just needs a plan to make it happen TWS WEEK: Mel reveals her plan to start a private law firm with Jeffrey. Mallet comes home to a more competitive Dinah than ever. AS THE WORLD TURNS: Katie enlists Henry to break into Carly's to steal the jewel.

Katie and Henry find one of the jewels but an amorous Carly and Simon return home and unknowingly trap Henry and Katie behind the couch. Carly and Simon move the party upstairs allowing Katie and Henry to escape. TWS WEEK: Lily spots Holden in a close moment with Tea. Holden takes off to look for Faith. YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Kay happily informs Jill that their DNA test results confirmed that she is her biological daughter, lill now realizes that Kay's nightmares have not been about her after all.

After making love at home, Neil reveals to Dru that he and Carmen never slept together, but admits he was attracted to her. THIS WEEK: Phyllis gasps from a contraction. As Lily and Daniel drive home in the pouring rain, Daniel loses control. BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Bridget and Phoebe strengthen their friendship over tea at the Forrester beach house. Shane arrives to apologize to Phoebe.

Phoebe tells Shane that she believes in him and in them together. Thorne and Donna try to make amends even though Thorne is still upset at Donna for siding with Nick. TWS WEEK: Ann begs for Stephanie's forgiveness. Taylor accuses Nick of trying to avoid their therapy sessions. DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Steve tells Kayla he remembers everything about his life with her.

The two end up making explosive love. Shawn tries to do damage control after Belle learns that he and Willow are living together, but Belle rushes out. TWS WEEK: Shawn's apartment is ruined by the fire and ceiling sprinklers. Sami overhears on the phone with Stefano. Gwen wants to know where Ethan was, but her interrogation is interrupted by the arrival of Sheridan.

Sheridan confesses to Gwen that she is confused: she loves Chris, but she loves Luis, too. Noah catches Ethan watching Theresa. TWS WEEK: Miguel asks Luis for help in tracking down Charity..