Kids round-up: Sparky hires Kerry Novick to head sales & co-pros; Jetpack expands CEE, Benelux & ME&A sales team; Nick Jr launches Spanish YouTube channel

Kerry Novick

Sparky hires Kerry Novick to head sales & co-pros

Singapore-based Sparky Animation has appointed Kerry Novick as its new SVP of global sales & co-productions.

In her new role, the LA-based industry veteran will take lead on the Dinosaur Train prodco’s international expansion, selling the company’s content library while cultivating relationships with new and existing distribution partners.

Novick, wgho previously served as SVP of global sales & business development at Kidtagious Entertainment, will also identify and secure co-production partners for Sparky’s growing slate.

“It is an exciting time for new, inspiring animation in the kids field, where core curriculums, social development and mutual respect and understanding themes take on a whole new meaning,” said Novick.

Toby Jones

Jetpack expands CEE, Benelux & ME&A sales team

Global kids & family business Jetpack Distribution has hired Toby Jones to the newly created role of sales executive for Central Eastern Europe, Benelux, the Middle East and Africa.

In his new role, he will be leading the sales efforts across these territories, working directly with broadcasters, as well digital and VOD platforms in the region. He will report directly to Jetpack CEO Dominic Gardiner and will be based in London.

Jones joins Jetpack from Avalon and also previously worked in sales at Kew Media Distribution.

“It’s a certain type of person we look for at Jetpack, who combines excellent sales experience and knowledge of the market with being a fun and personable hard worker. We love what we do and want our platform and production partners to enjoy working with us,” commented Gardiner.

Paw Patrol

Nick Jr launches dedicated Spanish YouTube channel

Nickelodeon International has launched Nick Jr. en Español, a new YouTube channel dedicated to Spanish speaking audiences and featuring both Latin American Spanish and Castilian Spanish content.

The channel includes short-form IP-based content from Nick Jr. properties and characters, such as Paw Patrol, Blaze and the Monster Machines and Top Wing.

The launch of Nick Jr. en Español follows that of Nick Jr. em Português, the brand’s dedicated Portuguese language YouTube Channel, in October 2020.

“We are so thrilled to bring our iconic Nickelodeon content to global Spanish speaking audiences around the world with the launch of our new YouTube channel, Nick Jr. en Español,” said Kate Sils, VP of digital and multiplatform at ViacomCBS Networks International.