The award-winning classic CBS/Fox Video/Nickelodeon series, Kids in Motion: A Creative Movement and Music Show, is being rebooted by original creator, Julie W. Markovitz, and producer George Paige. They have established a team with digital content experts, Amber Cordero and Steve Smythe, to bring this heritage program back to life as new OTT content targeting kids 2 to 8 years in age. Production for New Kids in Motion is slated to start in early 2020.
Movement/dance educator and certified yoga instructor Markovitz, who teaches creative movement and yoga to children, explained, “New Kids In Motion is an OTT network featuring contemporary music and dance videos hosted by fun characters interacting with kids with upbeat sing-alongs, creative movement and activities to get kids off the couch moving and singing. Aside from being based on a successful creative dance program, it’s the uniquely crafted ‘get up and move’ music videos that separates Kids in Motion from any other children’s programs.”
The original and “New Kids in Motion” songs consist of a myriad of different musical styles written by well-known songwriters and composers for Disney TV, movies and recognized children’s performing artists. Each song features catchy melodies with interactive action lyrics that encourage kids to use their imaginations to dance and move in their own individual ways.
“This unique combination of well-crafted songs with action lyrics is the reason the original Kids in Motion caught lightning in a bottle for parents, teachers and most importantly kids between 2-8 years old for over three decades,” said producer and former educator Paige.
Millennials remember the iconic show, which included an original soundtrack, home video, a book and a small stage tour. Fans are now posting videos from the original show on YouTube with millions of views and demanding a comeback for a new New Kids in Motion for their children. The show’s soundtrack is still a top seller in its category on Amazon receiving thousands of 5 star reviews.
Originally, Kids in Motion secured a deal with CBS/FOX Playhouse Home Video. Kids In Motion became an instant hit with children, parents and educators, earning the Parent’s Choice Award, Action for Children’s Television Award, Good Housekeeping Award and was endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Shortly after, Nickelodeon came on board and aired the show interstitially for several years as evergreen content. Following that, Good Housekeeping Home Video rereleased Kids in Motion, giving it a whole new life that took the show into the ‘90s.
Differences bubble up between PepsiCo and Coca-Cola on diversity programs
PepsiCo confirmed Friday that it's ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even as rival Coca-Cola voiced support for its own inclusion efforts.
In a memo sent to employees, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base. The company will also align its sponsorships to events and groups that promote business growth, he said.
Laguarta wrote that inclusion remains important to PepsiCo, whose brands include Gatorade, Lay's potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi. The Purchase, New York-based company's chief diversity officer will transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement, leadership development and ensuring an inclusive culture, he said.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last month, U.S. government agencies, companies and schools have rushed to reevaluate policies and programs they adopted with the goal of reducing discrimination against members of minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people.
Trump ended DEI programs within the federal government and has warned schools to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money.
PepsiCo's rollback came as Coca-Cola reaffirmed support for its DEI efforts.
In its annual report, Atlanta-based Coke warned that its business could be negatively affected if it is unable to attract employees that reflect its broad range of customers.
"Failure to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion … could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and our future success," the company said.
Coca-Cola has set a goal of having women in 50% of its senior leadership roles by... Read More