Nickelodeon Greenlights First New Global Series to be Produced in the Viacom International Studios in Miami
NEW YORK & MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nickelodeon
today announced the first series that will be produced in the new state
of the art Viacom International Studios in Miami. The studio which
boasts two 15,000 sq. foot stages and was completed in late 2015 will
serve as a multiplatform production hub for all of Viacom’s brands.
I Am Frankie, originally produced as “Yo Soy Franky” by
Nickelodeon Latin America in Colombia was created by renowned Argentine
writer Marcela Citterio. The English language version, I Am Frankie,
is now being adapted for global audiences by Catharina Ledeboer, who has
written multiple Nickelodeon hits, including most recently Every
Witch Way (which completed four seasons) and Talia in the Kitchen.
I Am Frankie, is the story of “Frankie” an experimental android
who navigates the perils and wonders of being a teenager. Frankie looks
like any other girl, but functions like the newest computer: complete
with Internet access, extensive memory and a hard disk. Frankie goes to
school and no one but the members of her family know her secret. She
adapts to the real world quite well, despite having no feelings or
emotions, but all that changes when she begins to experience family
life, make friends and have a boyfriend. Her biggest challenge will be
to fall in-love without her operating system malfunctioning!
Already in development, production on I Am Frankie will begin in
the second half of 2016. Nickelodeon has ordered 20 x 30 minute episodes
which will be distributed to Nickelodeon’s global audiences spanning 160
countries and territories via the brand’s more than 80 channels and
branded blocks.
Cyma Zarghami, President of Viacom’s Kids and Family Group said, “Miami
has been a content hub for Nickelodeon for some time, creating global
hits such as Every Witch Way, among others. Our talented team in
Miami is truly expert at the daily serialized format – and continues to
innovate their approach to both content and platforms. I Am Frankie
is a fresh and different format and has incredibly talented team behind
it.”
Pierluigi Gazzolo, President of Viacom International Media Networks,
Americas, added, “Viacom’s commitment to top quality productions is
greater than ever before – as audiences continue to demand more and more
content. I am delighted that this innovative new show is among the first
to be produced in this new turnkey facility.”
About Nickelodeon:
Nickelodeon is one of the most globally recognized and widely
distributed multimedia entertainment brands for kids and family. It has
built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it
does. The company’s portfolio includes television programming and
production around the world, plus special events, consumer products,
digital offerings, recreation, books, feature films and pro-social
initiatives. Nickelodeon’s brands reach 1.1 billion cumulative
subscribers in more than 160 countries and territories, via more than
80+ locally programmed channels and branded blocks. Outside of the
United States, Nickelodeon is part of Viacom International Media
Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), one of the
world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media
platforms.
Contacts
Nickelodeon:
Kate Laverge, 212-654-4335
kate.laverge@vimn.com
or
Claudia
Franklin, 305-938-4949
claudia.franklin@vimn.com
