Sakar Acquires Tech Product License for Nickelodeon's Hit Live-Action Comedy Series Victorious

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sakar International and Nickelodeon Consumer Products (NCP) will release a line of consumer electronics and accessories inspired by Victorious, the network's hit live-action comedy starring Victoria Justice.  Victorious, a co-production with Sony Music, follows Tori Vega (Justice) as she unexpectedly finds herself navigating life at an elite Hollywood performing arts high school.  Since its launch last April, Victorious has been the #1 program in its timeslot on all TV with tweens 9-14 and teens 12-17, reaching 15.1 million tweens and 11.4 million teens each quarter.

"Victorious is a breakout hit and offers a great opportunity to tap into the show's loyal fan base and strong musical core," said Manuel Torres, Senior Vice President, Global Toys, Video Games & Consumer Electronics, NCP.  "Sakar's extensive line of electronics allows fans to unleash their creativity, express themselves and share digital content. This new line of Victorious products will inspire and entertain kids."

More than 20 branded SKUs inspired by the music- and tech-filled series will begin shipping this fall, ranging from MP3/4 players, boomboxes and karaoke machines to text messengers, doorbell answering machines, digital cameras and portable DVD players.

All Victorious-branded electronics products will be available exclusively at Toys 'R Us this fall before being released for wider distribution. Non-electronic merchandise, such as computer sleeves and gaming accessories, will be sold through multiple channels immediately.

"Almost every kid wants to be a star.  That's why Victorious resonates with this demographic and why the opportunity to offer brand extensions is so appealing," said Liza Abrams, Sakar Vice President of Licensing. "This is an ideal platform for the branded consumer electronics that have become our specialty as well as an important extension of our relationship with Nickelodeon properties."  

The agreement comes two years after Sakar was licensed to produce an extensive line of branded tech toys and consumer electronics inspired by Nickelodeon series' iCarly, Ni Hao Kai-lan, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and Go, Diego, Go!  Strong reception for those products has included an award from Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Inc. for the Dora the Explorer Talking Digital Camera.

Prototypes of Sakar's Victorious-branded products can be seen at Booth #2445 at the Toy Fair 2011 show that opens today in New York.

Sakar's licensing portfolio also includes other top-tier brands such as Kodak, Made for iPod, Crayola, LeapFrog, Sanrio's Hello Kitty, The Biggest Loser, The Weather Channel, Spiderman, Batman, EA SPORTS, Gummy Bears, and Mattel's Monster High.

Victorious follows teenager Tori Vega (Justice) who attends the prestigious performing arts high school, Hollywood Arts.  From her first day at the school, Tori feels out of place among the amazingly talented students, especially mean diva Jade (Elizabeth Gillies, Broadway's 13).  But with the help of her older sister Trina (Daniella Monet, A Fairly Odd Movie, Nancy Drew) and new friends including the musically gifted Andre (Leon Thomas, August Rush, Broadway's The Lion King, iCarly), brooding bad boy Beck (Avan Jogia, Spectacular!), eccentric Cat (Ariana Grande, Broadway's 13) and lovable but psychologically scrambled ventriloquist Robbie (Matthew Bennett). Tori realizes that she was born to perform and that entertaining people not only makes her happy but may change her life. The series features original music performed by Victoria Justice and the ensemble cast.  Victorious is created and executive produced by Dan Schneider (iCarly, Zoey 101, Drake & Josh).

About Sakar International

Sakar International Inc. designs and manufactures a wide range of technology, toy, and consumer electronic products. Founded in 1977, the company is the manufacturer of Vivitar camera equipment and accessories, a market leader in youth electronics, and a producer of licensed products for leading consumer brands. Products range from digital cameras and camcorders with related accessories to computer, iPod, GPS and gaming accessories, binoculars, MP3 players, clock radios, gift and toy electronics. The company is privately held and headquartered in Edison, N.J. For more information, visit www.sakar.com.  

About Nickelodeon Consumer Products

Nickelodeon Consumer Products manages the world's third largest licensing business, representing leading properties such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, and managing merchandising for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTVN International, and Spike TV.

Nickelodeon, now in its 31st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids.  It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years.  For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Sakar International