Headspace hosted a Mindful Families event to share about their partnerships with Lilly Singh, creator and producer of Unicorn Island and Ses...

Headspace hosted a Mindful Families event to share about their partnerships with Lilly Singh, creator and producer of Unicorn Island and Sesame Street for “Goodnight, World! podcast.

Note: I was invited as media to the event. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.


All with the aim of helping families have a calmer back-to-school transition, as well as gain tips to manage their mental health and wellness.

Lilly Singh & Unicorn Island Partnership

During the event Lilly Singh took the stage and shared about the premiere of Headspace’s new animated series, “Mindful Adventures of Unicorn Island,”.

Lilly Singh: We all have a happy place in us. Mine looks really weird and wacky. In the show, you'll see all types of wild things and I encourage you to think, what's in your unicorn island.

Now the show is about a young Lilly. That's me. She learns how to meditate, and she turns into a unicorn and she transports to the magical world of unicorn island. Her name becomes really Lillycorn, and she meets all these fantastical friends on the island.

Lilly Singh: Together, they solve problems by learning one mindfulness technique, backed by science and our amazing partners at Headspace.

I wish I'd learned about mindfulness when I was a kid. I wish I'd learn about it in school, how to meditate, how to look inwards, how to reflect, how to identify my emotions.

I can confidently say that every human will benefit from this show.

The series incorporates mindfulness principles to help kids gain emotional-regulation skills to make sense of challenges in their lives.

Lilly stars in the 10-episode series launching exclusively on YouTube on September 12th and will air new episodes weekly through World Mental Health Day on October 10th.

The cast also includes voice actors Kal Penn (Lilly’s Dad), Padma Lakshmi (Lilly’s Mom), and Utkarsh Ambudkar (Amar, Lilly's brother)

Sesame Street Goodnight, World! Season 2 Podcast Partnership

Cookie Monster and Dr. Rosemarie Truglio from Sesame Workshop taught kids and their families a wind down exercise, a helpful tool to help prepare minds and bodies for sleep. Headspace and its long-standing partnership with Sesame Workshop has returned for the 2nd season of Goodnight, World! podcast. The audio series uses meditation and mindfulness techniques to help little ones unwind during their bedtime routines and restful moments with the help of a rotating cast of Sesame Street friends.

Even beyond bedtime and naptime, mindfulness is a powerful tool to help kids unwind from their day and regulate their emotions, skills that set them up for success in school and in life.

Season 2 includes Elmo, Bert, Ernie, Grover, Gabrielle, Abby, Tango, and Nina, and will be available exclusively inside the Headspace app for the first 6 months launching on September 6th, and then will be available across all major podcast platforms.

Headspace ‘Mindful Parenting’ Collection

The new ‘Mindful Parenting’ collection was created to support the journeys of parents and caregivers, meet them in their most acute need-states, and help them realize their long-term parenting goals.

The collection has two focus areas:

Becoming a Mindful Parent: This section will focus on the “big picture” of parenting with advice and guidance from kids and family mindfulness and meditation teacher Samantha Snowden and child psychiatrist Dr. Jon Kole.

The duo help parents and caregivers strategically think about how to lead and cultivate a mindful family culture, how to fill your own bucket as a parent, as well as helping parents learn how to build affirmations (i.e. “I am there and I love them”) a first for the Headspace app.

Parenting “Survival Guide”: This section will consist of more “acute” state resources for parents to navigate the “day-to-day” parenting challenges such as feeling overwhelmed, losing your temper, and getting flustered.

Learn more, visit - www.headspace.com/mindful-families

New episodes of Season One of “Star Trek: Prodigy” are now playing on Paramount+ and I've enjoyed joining the Protostar crew on new adv...

New episodes of Season One of “Star Trek: Prodigy” are now playing on Paramount+ and I've enjoyed joining the Protostar crew on new adventures.

Note: I was invited as media for screening and cast interview. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Along with watching new episodes, I was also able to interview the Prodigy cast including Kate Mulgrew (Hologram Kathryn Janeway), Brett Gray (Dal), Ella Purnell (Gwyn)!

While watching the new episodes, I started having so many questions and I couldn't wait to hear what the cast had to say about their character developments.

For Kate Mulgrew, who voice both Hologram Kathryn Janeway and Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway in the “Star Trek: Prodigy”, I wanted to know

What first interested you in the role? And now is your character still interesting and exciting?

Kate Mulgrew: Well, as you know, Star Trek is never dull, right? The excitement is infinite, it has to be! So the fact that I get to play Vice Admiral Janeway, and Mirror Janeway, and Hologram Janeway, and god knows whatever other incarnations of Janeway they have up their sleeve, is part of the delight.

But also, very much a part of the dramatic tension, very much a part of that. And the possibilities are infinite. So the sky’s the limit here – or I should say, space is the limit here. And that’s a great part of the joy of doing it.

Motivation to Voice Star Trek Animated Character

Kate Mulgrew: Well, it was a very lovely invitation from Alex Kurtzman, who as you know has now assumed the mantle of the entire Franchise. And I can’t think of anybody with a more compelling way of extending an invitation.

The way he framed it, that this would be an animated series targeted to children, a demographic we have somehow managed to avoid in all of these years – and the very demographic that will love it and embrace it the most. 

How could I possibly say “no”? I said, “Absolutely, let’s go and let’s give it everything we’ve got.” And I think it’s beautifully done, and I think Dan and Kevin Hageman are geniuses.

How Voicing Two Janeways Compares

Kate Mulgrew: Well, it can only help me, because Janeway bas been living inside of me for upwards of twenty-eight years. So she resides within me, I tap on her.

But then I get to go further with Vice Admiral Janeway and Hologram Janeway, and all the other incarnations that may or may not ensue. So it’s nothing but fun.

Using my voice alone allows me a certain freedom and latitude that live action did not.

Preparing to Voice Her Janeway Characters

Kate Mulgrew: Do you know what I have that supersedes all of that? I have a robust imagination, which seems to know no bounds.

So once I get into that booth and put on those headsets, I let it go. I mean, there’s not even a scintilla of holding back or resistance of any kind.

And within my consciousness I can go wherever I want to go, and I have all kinds of vocal dramatic moments. There’s a great spectrum to what I can do with my voice.

Which Janeway Character Gets Voice First

Kate Mulgrew: I like to do it all at once. And what I really like to do, because they asked me this themselves – they say, “do you want to do Vice Admiral Janeway first and then we’ll do Hologram?” I say, “No, let’s just do them back to back. Let’s mix it up.”

I like to see if I can trick my head into going back and forth between characters – and I can, because I’ve established a protocol in my mind for each of them.

Difference Between Live Action and Voiceover

Kate Mulgrew: I would say aside from the integrity of my voice, or shall I say the variety in my voice, no (difference). Because live action is a very, very demanding and immediate craft.

In the voice over acting, I have a lot of space, and I use it. I love it. I mean, there’s real liberty in that recording booth with these characters. And it’s actually extremely rewarding work.

I'm so honored I had the chance to interview Kate and share her excitement to continue to have her Janeway character continue on adventures!

SYNOPSIS

STAR TREK: PRODIGY currently streams exclusively on Paramount+

Developed by Emmy® Award winners Kevin and Dan Hageman (“Trollhunters” and “Ninjago”), the CG-animated series STAR TREK: PRODIGY is the first “Star Trek” series aimed at younger audiences.

Follow a motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search of a better future.

These six young outcasts know nothing about the ship they have commandeered – a first in the history of the “Star Trek” franchise – but over the course of their adventures together, they will each be introduced to Starfleet and the ideals it represents.

In the remaining STAR TREK: PRODIGY season one episodes, as the hopeful crew makes their way towards Starfleet, their dreams are threatened when they discover the U.S.S. Protostar harbors a weapon designed to tear the United Federation of Planets apart.

To make matters worse, the U.S.S. Dauntless is on a manhunt for the Protostar as the real Vice Admiral Janeway is eager to uncover what happened to her missing former First Officer Chakotay. With these two ships on a collision course and destruction on the horizon, the fate of the Alpha Quadrant hangs in the balance.

Learn more, visit - www.paramountplus.com

Are black cats really bad luck? I recently had the chance to find out during an interview with Simon Pegg, who voices "Bob", the b...

Are black cats really bad luck? I recently had the chance to find out during an interview with Simon Pegg, who voices "Bob", the black cat in LUCK, coming exclusively on Apple TV+.

Note: I was invited as media for movie screening and film cast interview. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

During my interview with Simon, we discussed what kind of "Luck" he would like to have, along with similarities to "Bob" the cat and the message of the film.

What Type of Luck Would You Want

Simon Pegg: I suppose it comes down to whether it's a material moment, like winning a bunch of money. I think your lucky in life if you experience genuine love. Whether it's love that your feeling or receiving.

I think that's the most important one, beyond any type of material gain.

Simon Pegg: Or the idea of just being happy. I always think that success should be measured by whether or not we're happy, rather then how much we have or manage to accumulate.

If you're happy, then your successful. If you feel that way, then I think your lucky. It will always be something non material, although the temptation is to say a Ferrari.

What Excited Him About Luck Film

Simon Pegg: I just love the concept of the worlds of good and bad luck. And how extraordinarily complex and beautiful they were, and yet really the whole thing was like an office job.

They were all just punching a clock and working (for them) in a mundane place. Which I thought was quite funny, considering how visual it is.

But also the chance to play Bob, I loved getting to do a Scottish accent. It was lovely idea.

Similarities to Bob

Simon Pegg: I'm a bit grumpy sometimes. I do get that loner-ness that Bob has a little sometimes. He just wants to be by himself. And he learns that probably not the right thing to do.

I can feel like that sometimes, but I also know the value of having friends and that kind of support network is very important.

Definitely his kinda of mischievous side. That is very much me. Slight impatience. I'm more like Bob then I realize.

Does He Personally Believe in Luck

Simon Pegg: Kinda. I think Luck is something we create for ourselves. The idea that something else is in control of our lives and we don't have responsibility for our actions, cause it's sorta ordained by something else, I don't believe that.

I believe that Luck is what we make. So the opportunities come our way and we either convert them into good luck, or we let them go and that's kinda bad luck.

Simon Pegg: I feel like it's important for us to take responsibility for what we do, and not ascribe blame elsewhere. At the same time, it's a positive thing to suggest that you got to where you want to be, not through some mystical kind of force, but because you made the right choices, and did the right thing.

I think that's part of what this film teaches, in a really sweet way. The positivity that you put into the world can often come back at you, in the form of what feels like good luck. But at the end of the day, it was you that did it.

The Message of Luck

Simon Pegg: You make your own Luck by putting love into the world. The more you express, the more you get back. For a film about a magical world that creates luck, I think really at the end of the day, the characters make their luck.

They do so by being the best individuals they can be. And that's the best thing we can teach our kids. Is to be kind, is to put positivity into the world, to treat people as you want to be treated, and you'll find that when the good luck starts to come back to you.

LUCK is streaming August 5, exclusively on Apple TV+.


Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation, "LUCK" is a story about Sam Greenfield: the unluckiest person in the world, who suddenly finds herself in the never-before-seen Land of Luck.

SYNOPSIS

From Apple Original Films comes the story of Sam Greenfield, the unluckiest person in the world, who when she stumbles into the never-before-seen Land of Luck, sets out on a quest to bring some good luck home for her best friend.

But with humans not allowed, her only chance is teaming up with the magical creatures who lives there to do it. 

Features the voice talents of stars Jane Fonda, Whoopi Goldberg, Eva Noblezada, Simon Pegg, Flula Borg, Colin O’Donoghue, John Ratzenberger and Adelynn Spoon.

The animated feature is directed by Peggy Holmes from a screenplay by Kiel Murray, with John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and David Eisenmann producing for Skydance Animation.

Luck — Official Trailer | Apple TV+



Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama, comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment. 

Apple TV+ is available for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com.

For more information, visit - www.tv.apple.com/us/movie/luck/

Have you ever wondered why some people get "good" luck, while others get "bad" luck? According to upcoming film "LU...

Have you ever wondered why some people get "good" luck, while others get "bad" luck? According to upcoming film "LUCK", releasing August 5th on Apple TV, there's an actual system why.

Note: I was invited as media for movie screening and film cast interview. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Sadly for the main character Sam Greenfield aka the unluckiest person in the world, this system is clearly working against her! Before screening "LUCK", I was a hoping that Sam would find a way to "beat the system" and get some "good" luck.

Then I saw the movie and got a different view point about the whole system and understood Sam, and "unlucky" people like her, might actually be lucky on the flip size.

But the change of view point isn't the only reason I think families will enjoy watching LUCK. The movie has a few more things to enjoy

Another View about "Being Lucky"

The movie really does a good job at showing how Sam deals with her unlucky moments. And how dealing with those moments actually helps Sam find some unexpected positives in her life and for her friends.

The Humor. Unicorns. Bunnies. Oh My!

The side characters have just as much charm and personality as the main characters. And it's all so funny. The way Sam discovers and interacts with them is a delight. Especially the dancing scene. Trust me.

The Animation and Storytelling

The land of Luck is truly a fantasy world. The colors, different areas and the animated actions scenes are so well done. You really feel like your watch a magical world where things are possible. It's a treat for the eyes and the imagination.


Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation, "LUCK" is a story about Sam Greenfield: the unluckiest person in the world, who suddenly finds herself in the never-before-seen Land of Luck.

SYNOPSIS

From Apple Original Films comes the story of Sam Greenfield, the unluckiest person in the world, who when she stumbles into the never-before-seen Land of Luck, sets out on a quest to bring some good luck home for her best friend.

But with humans not allowed, her only chance is teaming up with the magical creatures who lives there to do it. 

Features the voice talents of stars Jane Fonda, Whoopi Goldberg, Eva Noblezada, Simon Pegg, Flula Borg, Colin O’Donoghue, John Ratzenberger and Adelynn Spoon.

The animated feature is directed by Peggy Holmes from a screenplay by Kiel Murray, with John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and David Eisenmann producing for Skydance Animation.

Luck — Official Trailer | Apple TV+



Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama, comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment. 

Apple TV+ is available for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com.

For more information, visit - www.tv.apple.com/us/movie/luck/

The Wishbone family are back for a new monstrous adventure in Viva Kids Films "Monster Family 2 : Nobody's Perfect" now availa...

The Wishbone family are back for a new monstrous adventure in Viva Kids Films "Monster Family 2 : Nobody's Perfect" now available everywhere On Digital and On Demand.

Note: This posted was written in partnership with Viva Kids Films. However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own

My Review

If your family enjoyed watching the first Monster Family movie, then you're in for a treat with this sequel. My family and I enjoyed visiting with the Wishbone transformed into spooky creatures again but with a twist this time. It's not just about the family learning to get along, but also helping others.

And for us that was the real charm of Monster Family 2, the lesson of helping others, whether it's a family member or new friend. I don't want to give it all away, by this is a great lesson for families to be reminded of by the end of the movie.

Besides the "being helpful and supportive" lesson, Monster Family 2 also has other reasons families will enjoy watching it.

So, I'm sharing 3 reasons you should watch Monster Family 2: Nobody's Perfect!

3 Reasons to Watch Monster Family 2

The Wishbone Family

It's nice to visit with the Wishbone family again. While lots have changed since the first movie, the family still has some quirks to figure out and it's fun to watch them fuss with each other.

The teen daughter trying to find herself, the middle school son not fitting in with friends and parents just trying to love and support their kids. The personal issues facing each character will be relatable to families watching the film.

Moments of Humor

While the main story is about the Wishbone family trying to save Monster being kidnapped by a mysterious monster hunter, the whole film isn't just scary doom. The film gives moments of fun an humor for families to share a giggle and enjoy a silly moment. There's a scene where a dance spell back fires that had me and my son laughing out loud.

Tech Savvy Female Villain

This might not be a big deal for some, but I loved seeing a young girl knowing how to use technology, and fight against larger "foes" while being smart and witty. While she is a villain in the movie, there was no doubt that she amazing and can hold her own again the Monster Family and all the Monster's she was sent to kidnap.

Little girls are smart, capable and can be the one to save the "boy". It's nice to see more of that in movies.

SYNOPSIS

MONSTER FAMILY 2: NOBODY'S PERFECT - Official Trailer



The Wishbones are a happy family – but not all is perfect. Max and Fay are struggling with the pressures of growing up, while Mom and Dad have the demands of work and parenting; but their hum-drum life is about to change.

Mila Starr, a monster hunter, has made it her mission to capture all spooky creatures including the Wishbone’s friends King Conga, The Loch Ness Monster, and The Yeti. In order to save their friends, the Wishbone’s must transform into monsters themselves.

Together as a Vampire, Mummy, Werewolf, and Frankenstein, the family take off on the most monst-umental adventure of their lives.

Learn more, visit - www.vivafilmco.com/our-films/viva-kids

To learn more about Amazon Studios's "Being the Ricardos", I joined a virtual interview with the cast including Nicole Kidman,...

To learn more about Amazon Studios's "Being the Ricardos", I joined a virtual interview with the cast including Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda, in connection with the films release on Prime Video on December 21st.

Note: I was invited as media by Amazon Studios for movie screening and film cast interview. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Here are a few highlights on what the cast shared about their characters and first thoughts after reading the screenplay.

The Appeal of Playing Desi & Lucille

Javier Bardem: His absolute confidence in himself and how supportive his was of his wife and the whole show. Also how he over come the obstacles by a strong sense of humor. He was making fun of everything. That didn't mean he didn't take it seriously, but he didn't get stuck in the drama of it all.

Nicole Kidman: I did freak out about "How do I actually create Lucille Ball". But Aaron was fantastic, he was so consistent in his belief that I got this. He saw how he wanted it and it took me time to give over to that. And when I did I went OK. But in the process I was able to work on the actual "Lucy" part of it.

Nicole Kidman: I tried to work on just getting the little baby steps, like in her voice. I worked on it slowly, meticulous, methodically. Watching the show, listening to the voice. Doing all the preparation, which is unusual for me, because a lot of time I'll start really inside, but the inside of it was already there.

Because I could relate to her. I could feel her, it was so beautifully written.

Portraying Two Different Lives of Character

Nina Arianda: For me it was really important to honor the physical difference between the two. Because they were so extreme. Vivian Vance was a wonderful dancer, she was a leading lady, and Ethel was Ethel. All the research I wanted for Ethel, I had, but for Vivian, it was a little tougher.

A producer had sent me a clip that was a couple of seconds long. It was simply Desi introducing Vivian to the audience right before they were taping. It was really eye opening for me, because out came this women with a long spine, her shoulders back to the stage, took a graceful bow and left.

I just saw a completely different woman and I became so obsessed with her background. For me it was about trying to be respectful, as I could, to these very different bodies.

J.K. Simmons: As Nina said, we all had plenty footage of "I Love Lucy" to watch, so those few moments when were expected to mimic aspects of the show, that was very clear.

About William Frawley, much less video that I can find outside his films and appearances on "I Love Lucy". No talk shows, no anything on video or even a book. So all of my research was through the perspective of Vivian, Lucille, Desi and Jess Oppenheimer in some audio interviews.

J.K. Simmons: And in a way I found that to be sorta of freeing, in terms of how I portrayed off camera Bill, which is 98 percent of the movie. He was, honestly not that dissimilar then the cranky landlord Fred Mertz. But the beauty of what we all got is to see multiple aspects of all these characters, as they relate to each other at different times.

What Stood Out About Screenplay

Nina Arianda: It was such a brilliant first read. The thing that jumped off the page for me was, just how relentless the stake are. Everything you could possibly want. And it's just continuous till the end of the story.

J.K. Simmons: Any actor that reads an Aaron Sorkin script is immediately astounded and excited to work on it. Being the Ricardos is an interesting beast because it’s a drama about a comedy. And it explores an aspect of the lives of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz that even people who are real fans may find surprising.

Javier Bardem: The exquisiteness of the script is that, it goes to different places. It really reunites all  aspects of them in the marriage, as a couple, as artists, as colleagues and everything is so well put together. That makes it exciting to perform it, but also to watch it. It's very full of different details, to give you a good idea of, who they were and what they were doing back in the day.

Nicole Kidman: They had Desilu, the production studio, and no other actors had something like that during that time. She was the first of her kind. She's one of a kind.

The thing that this film does is pull the curtain back. It's not the "I Love Lucy" show, it's about...how was that made and who was this person, that was capable of that genius. What was her story? what was her life?

Nicole Kidman: This is not a storytelling of her life birth trough death. This is the Aaron Sorkin storytelling where he compresses a number of things into a week, and then is able to show the essence of who this woman was. And who these people were.


Amazon Studios released BEING THE RICARDOS in theaters on December 10th, 2021 and globally on Prime Video on December 21st, 2021.

Being the Ricardos - Official Trailer | Prime Video



SYNOPSIS

Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) are threatened by shocking personal accusations, a political smear, and cultural taboos in behind-the-scenes drama Being the Ricardos.

A revealing glimpse of the couple’s complex romantic and professional relationship, the film takes audiences into the writers’ room, onto the soundstage, and behind closed doors with Ball and Arnaz during one critical production week of their groundbreaking sitcom I Love Lucy.

Starring Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, Jake Lacy, J.K. Simmons, Nina Arianda, Tony Hale, and Alia Shawkat

Written and Directed by Academy Award®-winning Aaron Sorkin

Learn more - www.amazon.com/Prime-Video

Facebook - www.facebook.com/PrimeVideo
Twitter - www.twitter.com/PrimeVideo
Instagram - www.instagram.com/amazonprimevideo

Drac and the Pack are back, like you’ve never seen them before. Amazon Studios will release HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA on Prime Video...

Drac and the Pack are back, like you’ve never seen them before. Amazon Studios will release HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA: TRANSFORMANIA on Prime Video globally January 14, 2022.

To celebrate #HotelTransylvania release on Prime Video, I'm sharing these fun facts about the film for families to enjoy.

Fun Facts for Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

• Andy Samberg’s knowledge of conversational Spanish was enough for him to perform the Spanish-language version of George Michael’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” featured in the film.
• Young Mavis is voiced by Selena Gomez' younger sister, Victoria Gomez.
• Griffin's human design was inspired by his comment in the first movie that he had curly red hair.
• Drac's backpack sports flags from both Canada and California, USA, which is a nod to the fact that physical production for the film took place in two cities: Vancouver and Los Angeles.
• Wayne's improvised dance is inspired by a number of popular dance challenges on social media, including the “Renegade” TikTok dance, choreographed by Jalailah Harmon
  

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania – Official Trailer | January 14



SYNOPSIS

Reunite with your favorite monsters for an all-new adventure that presents Drac (Brian Hull) with his most terrifying task yet. When Van Helsing’s (Jim Gaffigan) mysterious invention, the 'Monsterification Ray,’ goes haywire, Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, and Johnny (Andy Samberg) becomes a monster!

In their new mismatched bodies, Drac, stripped of his powers, and an exuberant Johnny, loving life as a monster, must team up and race across the globe to find a cure before it’s too late, and before they drive each other crazy.

With help from Mavis (Selena Gomez) and the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent.

The film also features the voices of Kathryn Hahn (Ericka), Steve Buscemi (Wayne), Molly Shannon (Wanda), David Spade (Griffin the Invisible Man), Keegan-Michael Key (Murray), Fran Drescher (Eunice), Brad Abrell (Frank), and Asher Blinkoff (Dennis).

For the final chapter of the Hotel Transylvania film series, franchise creator Genndy Tartakovsky returns as one of the screenwriters and executive producers.

Selena Gomez will also serve as an executive producer, while reprising her role as Drac's daughter, Mavis, alongside Andy Samberg, returning as Johnny.

Directed by Derek Drymon and Jennifer Kluska, the film is produced by Alice Dewey Goldstone and executive produced by Tartakovsky, Michelle Murdocca, and Gomez.

The story is by Genndy Tartakovsky with a screenplay by Amos Vernon & Nunzio Randazzo and Genndy Tartakovsky.

To learn more about Hotel Transylvania, visit - www.sonypictures.com/movies/hoteltransylvania

Facebook - www.facebook.com/HotelT
Twitter - www.twitter.com/HotelT
Instagram - www.instagram.com/hotelt

Curious World, the expansive collection of games, videos and eBooks by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), have announced that its interactive ...

Curious World, the expansive collection of games, videos and eBooks by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), have announced that its interactive content is now available on Apple TV.

Note: I was invited as media to this event and received a Curious World subscription. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

The service will be accessible on the newest generation Apple TV device.

“Curious World encourages parents to share in their child’s learning journey,” said CJ Kettler, Chief of Consumer Brands and Strategy, HMH. “With the launch of Curious World on Apple TV, our goal is to expand traditional conventions around ‘story time’ by offering another layer of family engagement.

We recognize that parental involvement is key in early learning, and Apple TV offers another opportunity, beyond mobile devices and tablets, to cultivate a trustworthy, safe learning digital environment that balances screen-time with activities that families can enjoy together offline as well.”

Of course I had to get a first look at how Curious World works when moved from a mobile platform to a home based platform. Here's a few things I learned.

• This partnership extends the availability of Curious World’s multimedia platform, making its ever-growing library of learning content accessible on three screens for one subscription price

• With Apple TV, Curious World has transferred classic children’s books to the television screen, complete with illustrations and audio capabilities like read-along functionality and sound-effects.

• Parents can still use the “parent dashboard,” to track their children’s progress, learn more about a child's interests and see recommendations for extending the learning journey through offline activity.

• Content is simple to explore and organized into kid-friendly categories including Animals, Cooking, Crafts, Space, Wheels, eBooks and Videos. Initially, only the videos and books from the mobile version will be available on Apple TV, with games to come later this year.

• Curious World’s library includes close to 1000 titles, including originally produced games, original video series and books, as well as licensed titles. The app’s content is curated and created by HMH’s internal development team of education experts and award-winning creative partners such as Bix Pix and CloudKid, and also includes licensed programming from leading kids content providers like National Geographic, Storybots, Caspar Babypants, PBS Kids and Young Rembrandts.

• All content within Curious World aligns to eight key learning areas (science, math, language and literacy, health and wellness, creative expression, social emotional, executive function, and family community). The content is designed to give kids a balanced learning experience across these essential learning areas, and provide parents with the confidence that programming will be educational, relevant and fun to their young learners.

Overall I think children (and parents) will enjoy this new extention of the program. It allows families to access the same educational system they love using the app mobility but now on their Apple TV devices.

Curious World is a subscription-based experience ($7.99 per month or $64.99 per year) for kids aged 2yrs to 7yrs. The app can be downloaded for free from the App Store with sample content and features.

Using the companion site, parents can learn more about their child’s personal learning journey.

Learn more, visit - www.curiousworld.com

KidzVuz and Amazon Video hosted a viewing party for Wishenpoof, the Amazon Original Kids Series supporting kids as lifelong creative learner...

KidzVuz and Amazon Video hosted a viewing party for Wishenpoof, the Amazon Original Kids Series supporting kids as lifelong creative learners.

Note: This is a sponsored posted on behalf of KidzVuz and Amazon Studios. I was invited as media to this event. However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own

During the viewing party we met Addison Holley who voices Bianca in Wishenpoof. I was really excited to meet Addison in real life since I've watched/listen to her characters in Annedroids and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

Addison was really sweet to talk with and nice enough to give me a mini interview.


Addison shares a bit about Bianca and what she hopes girls will take away while watching the Wishenpoof series.

We next met with Wishenpoof creator Angela C. Santomero (who also created Blue’s Clues, Creative Galaxy, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Super Why!), who shared a little about her idea behind the new kids series.

"For Wishenpoof, I wanted to feature a strong female lead character for an older range of girls. It was something that was being asked for and I was excited to create this world" said Santomero.

“The series is different than anything currently on the air—with its expressive 3D character animation and the rich multi-layered, textured designs and environments—creating a vibrant, magical environment and featuring an amazing anthem in every episode that complements the vision for the show.”

We enjoyed the rest of the viewing party actually viewing a few Wishenpoof episodes.


Learning a bit about the cool features on the Amazon Fire HD6 Kids Edition. I was really impressed with being able to customize profiles.

We had so much fun at the KidzVuz and Amazon Video Wishenpoof event and look forward to the series release.

SYNOPSIS

In Wishenpoof, Bianca’s ability to magically fulfill her friends’ wishes and creative instinct spark children’s imaginations at an early age. The series also features guest vocal talent Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills, 90210) as Bianca’s father, and Priestley’s daughter Ava as Laurel. Hope Cassandra performs 13 ballads as the singing voice of Bianca.

Wishenpoof also features vocal talent from Kaelyn Breitkopf (Puppets) as Ben and Millie Davis (Orphan Black, Annedroids) as Penelope. The series is Directed by Gilly Fogg (Bob the Builder) and Phillip Stamp (Little Bear) serves as Supervising Producer.

Wishenpoof is available as part of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited. Prime members can watch episodes of Wishenpoof  with the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online.

Learn more, visit - www.amazon.com/wishenpoof

I attended a premiere screening for Amazon original children’s series "Creative Galaxy". After the screening I was able to meet wi...

I attended a premiere screening for Amazon original children’s series "Creative Galaxy". After the screening I was able to meet with creator Angela Santomero, the entire Creative Galaxy team and special guest star Jason Priestley, who voices one of the characters in the series.

Note: I was invited as media to this event. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

Creative Galaxy (for preschool-aged children) is from acclaimed creator Angela Santomero and Out of the Blue (Super Why!, Blue’s Clues, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood), and features Samantha Bee (The Daily Show), Christian Distefano, Jason Jones (The Daily Show), Cloris Leachman (Malcolm in the Middle), and Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills 90210).


After viewing a few episodes, I spoke with Jason about his role in the series and what it means to him as a parent. Jason shared how as a parent he loves the idea of encouraging kids to be creative and artistic. He also shared that "Creative Galaxy" is a series that parents can sit and enjoy with their children.

Jason plays the character Mr. Pencil in the series and for parents who grew up watching he play Brandon Walsh on "Beverly Hills, 90210", you'll be surprised by some humorous reference to the show when his character is on screen. I wont ruin the surprise, you'll have to watch and find out.


As a parent I was impressed with not only the creative story telling of "Creative Galaxy" but also the live project segments. During the segment we watched kids create an arts and crafts projects that kids at home could follow along and also make.

Which is exactly what my son and other kids did after the screening. The kids were able to make a star lantern and draw and color. My son enjoyed being creative and I'm all in support of that.

If you also support creativity in children, then you'll enjoy viewing "Creative Galaxy".

SYNOPSIS

In this make-along, create-along, interactive art adventure series for preschoolers, characters Arty and Epiphany travel around the galaxy to solve problems with art, inspiring creative thinking through crafts, music and dance.

To give kids and parents the real-life tools they need to re-create Arty’s experience, a live-action piece at the end of each animated episode will take viewers through the craft project that Arty showcased in the galaxy.

All Amazon Original children’s series will be available through Amazon’s Kindle FreeTime app and via Kindle FreeTime Unlimited and for unlimited streaming through Prime Instant Video on Fire TV, Kindle Fire, iPad, iPhone, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii and Wii U, and other connected devices, and online at www.amazon.com/PIV

We attended The MOMS and Amazon Studios preview event for the launch of the Amazon Studios kids series, "Tumble Leaf". Note: ...

We attended The MOMS and Amazon Studios preview event for the launch of the Amazon Studios kids series, "Tumble Leaf".

Note: I was invited as media to this event and received an Amazon Fire TV for review purposes. Any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

My son and I joined other families to screen the first four "Tumble Leaf" episodes and enjoyed it! My son liked that Fig "finds" things that lead him off to some funny but "learning" adventures. As a parent I like that Figs adventures has a lot of educational moments in them.

In one episode Fig and his friend are trying to get home but it's dark. They discover that light from the moon can reflect off objects and then they can see. This leads into a very funny but clever story of them getting oysters to open up and laugh so they can get more light and find the way home.

While the stories seem like they'd be long to watch, each episode consists of two-13 minute stories! Short but fun and educational for kids.

Interested in watching Tumble Leaf with your family?

The first 6 episodes of Tumble Leaf will be made available on May 23rd and the second 7 episodes will be made available later this summer.

Synopsis:

Created by Drew Hodges and Bix Pix Entertainment, Tumble Leaf follows “Fig” the fox who lives in a wrecked schooner ship by the sea with his best friend “Stick,” a caterpillar who lives in a tiny basket strapped to Fig’s forearm, as they discover adventure, friendship and love around every bend.

Fig is a storyteller and an adventurer – an inquisitive, intelligent, and gentle creature who loves nature and the great outdoors. At the start of each day, Fig and Stick are eager to play -- to discover new things about his world, with his eyes, ears, mind and heart open to inspiration. By playing with an object that he finds in his “finding place” in each episode, he learns about science, critical thinking and the world around him.

All Amazon Original children’s series will be available through Amazon’s Kindle FreeTime app and via Kindle FreeTime Unlimited and for unlimited streaming through Prime Instant Video on Fire TV, Kindle Fire, iPad, iPhone, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Wii and Wii U, and other connected devices, and online.

Learn more, visit - www.amazon.com/PIV