BBC Signs Multiplatform Property Kamira

"BBC Worldwide has secured a development deal with Star Farm Productions for an innovative new fantasy property.The deal for Kaimira encompasses investment in TV, MMOG and other media.Gill Pritchard (pictured), BBC Worldwide's director of children's, said: "Kaimira represents everything we want to be part of in our growth strategy in the children's business here at Worldwide. The development deal we have agreed with Star Farm allows us to collaborate in a 360-degree approach to the creative and business strategy of Kaimira, including the development of TV, web, gaming and feature film."Kaimira's launch will begin in the summer with Walker Books and Candlewick Press releasing Book One: The Sky Village in the UK, US, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.Star Farm is planning to develop a website where fans will be able to decode mysteries highlighted in the book." Licensing.biz, April 2008

MySpace to put its shows on TV.

"Social networking site MySpace has signed a deal to put its shows on TV.
The deal means that MySpaceTV shows such as Quarterlife, Roommates and Special Delivery will soon air on screens outside the US. The deal was signed with the Shine Group which is run by Elizabeth Murdoch - daughter of Rupert Murdoch who owns MySpace parent News International. The deal covers DVDs and merchandise but MySpace retains all net rights to its programmes. "MySpace is essentially the world's largest focus group," said Travis Katz, head of MySpace's international arm, announcing the deal at the MipTV-Milia conference in Cannes.
"You can see what resonates with people and then take that content and blow it out worldwide," he added. Mr Katz said MySpace was developing local versions of its existing programmes plus original content in the 26 countries in which it operated and added that the company was discussing with hundreds of others about deals on its shows. The deal marks a fresh attempt by MySpace to find an audience for its programmes beyond the internet. US network NBC broadcast MySpace's "Quarterlife" in February but viewing figures suggest it ranked dead last among all shows aired in that time slot. Many media companies have tried, and failed, to use the web as a testing ground for new shows, Forrester Research analyst James McQuivey told the Reuters news agency. "It hasn't produced bankable shows outside of the internet, or even on the internet," he said. "If you look at it (Web shows), there's a good reason why -- it's mostly bad."
The MySpaceTV deal comes only days after the social networking site announced a partnership with three record labels to create an online music store. MySpace Music will be launched in conjunction with Universal, Sony BMG and Warner." BBC April 2008

What Do Kids Want?

"For children raised on the Web browser, a new computer proved to be less of a hit than one parent expected
When offered a chance last fall to buy a computer engineered with a new kid-friendly design, I had visions of my children using its specialized software to do creative-writing projects, make short animations and learn basics of music composition.
Three months later, a different reality has emerged: My kids have barely touched the software designed for creative expression. They prefer our five-year-old PC because it's easier to play simple games and watch videos on the Web.
WSJ's Kevin Delaney bought the XO laptop for his kids, but he's found they prefer the family's PC. His son Jack discusses what he likes to do with computers.
The experience has reminded me of the hazards of projecting expectations for your children's happiness or development onto any prospective purchase. But even more, it has made me realize that the Web is a defining media experience of my kids' childhoods in the way that TV and videogames were for me. Any technology aimed at kids needs to be able to deliver the richest experiences available on the Web or face an uphill battle in winning the attention of this browser generation." WSJ Mar 08