KidScreen Magazine: About reaching children through entertainment

KidScreen Magazine: The leading business publication in the world serving the information needs and interests of kids’ entertainment executives. Published 9 times a year, KidScreen is delivered to 13,000 kid’s entertainment decision-makers around the world, in addition to bonus copies distributed at major industry events.

Highlights from this issue...
25 up front
KS EXCLUSIVE—Italy’s newest kidnet, DeAKids, talks programming strategy

35 ppd
KS EXCLUSIVE—Henson services a full sales slate and looks for co-pro partners

47 licensing
Licensed apparel biz wearing direct-to-retail model well

57 retail
Toycos tie in with non-profit orgs to boost bottom lines

63 marketing
C&R unveils a new biannual study on youth behavior

66 digital bytes
Nintendo rolls out a bevy of Wii peripherals

101 coolwatch
Kids share their desert island TV channel picks

Visit KidScreen Magazine, September 2008 Website

Read The Magazine Online   |  View Digital Edition   |   Download a PDF

Special Reports
69 Brand Licensing
A snapshot of five key territories as Western Europe girds for tough times • Industry experts ID growing Euro markets

83 MIPCOM JR.
What to do when the post-greenlight redevelopment process has you stuck in a traffic jam • Tips for attracting and retaining the best creative talent

Download KidScreen Magazine, September 2008

PDF format, 41MB, 104Pages

Editorial
Talent tracking?
Your reputation precedes you

One of the most frequent reader requests we get at KidScreen is for guidance on how to find and connect with creative types. And we always try to do our best to hook these intrepid talent-hunters up with the writers, story editors, voice actors, animators, etc. they’re looking for.

But I think I may start giving different advice, based on what I saw last month when I visited Little Airplane Productions’ studio in New York’s South Street Seaport.

I know it’s more of a long-term strategy and doesn’t help meet immediate staffing needs, but here goes: Build a reputation as an open-minded and nurturing employer of creatives, and you won’t have to chase them. They’ll come running to you.

I’ve truly never seen a happier and more motivated team than the folks at Little Airplane, and it’s easy to see why. Their workspace is a homey converted historical building with old-time carnival décor and plenty of nooks for creative collaboration. Speaking of which, it’s part of the daily routine at Little Airplane, whose 60-odd core staffers gather each morning for a team meeting where they’re encouraged to talk about their work and broach ideas big and small that may aid and abet the greater goal of making outstanding preschool programming.

Although the pace of work is challenging, with each animator expected to produce 30 seconds of top-notch photo puppetry animation a week, they’re equipped with the best software and systems on the market, and their daily schedules are replete with mandatory V8 breaks (courtesy of founder and president Josh Selig) to ensure they stay healthy and avoid burning out.

And then there’s the gratification of the weekly studio tours. Twice on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Little Airplane opens up its doors to tourists wanting to get an inside look at the animation process. What could be cooler than explaining to kids and parents what goes into their favorite episode of The Wonder Pets! and seeing their faces light up in awe of your work. ...

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