Nicktoons Networks Rolls With Mobile Tour

Nickelodeon is pounding the pavement this summer with a five-city interactive tour to promote its Nicktoons Network Animation Festival.

The cable network is hyping its brand via a Nicktoons Network Tour truck that gives kids a chance to learn about animation up close. The mobile tour, Nicktoon Network’s first-ever, is designed to give fans an interactive, hands-on experience while boosting Nicktoons Network’s world of animation.

The tour, which kicked off in New York last Saturday, runs each weekend through Aug. 13. Other stops include Boston, Detroit and Houston. It concludes Aug. 12-13 in Los Angeles, timed to coincide with the third annual Nicktoons Network Animation Festival.

Through the tour, fans can meet Nicktoon Network animators and have their picture taken with Nicktoons characters via green screen. The photos will be posted online and will be available for download. Consumers can also visit the Tips and Tricks station to learn behind-the-scenes details in animation making.

At the sound stage, fans can create their own sound effects for live video. In the art studio, consumers can learn about storyboard design from a Kappa Mikey storyboard, animated flip books and motion capture tutorial about The Making of Skyland, a new series slated for fall. The animation browser lets fans play clips at various speeds showing frame by frame how animation is created.

Fans can also try their hand at thumb-wrestling matches disguised as Thumb Wrestling Federation characters. Each match will be recorded so players can download their personalized video. Players are then entered into the Thumb Wrestling Federation sweepstakes for a chance to win a guest “thumb” spot on Nicktoons Network.

The two-day Animation Festival will feature Kids’ Day on Aug. 12 and Creators’ Day on Aug. 13, when festival organizers will announce this year’s student award, diversity award and producer’s choice award winners. The festival will premiere on-air and online Aug. 26 through Aug. 31.

Print ads, online materials and radio spots support. Nicktoons Networks handled in house. Oasis, Seattle, assisted in the promotion.

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