The Sopranos Cast Reunites For Nickelodeon And MarVista Entertainment's Original Kids TV Movie Nicky Deuce

NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Welcome to the family... Nickelodeon, R&R Productions and MarVista Entertainment have united a star-studded cast including iCarly's Noah Munck and The Sopranos' Steve Schirripa, Michael Imperioli, Vincent Curatola and Tony Sirico, in addition to Rita Moreno, for the original kids TV movie Nicky Deuce.  Based on the same-titled popular children's book by Schirripa and Charles Fleming, the movie also features Cristine Prosperi (Degrassi) and Cassius Crieghtney, with potentially more guest appearances to come.  Production is underway in Montreal, Canada with a premiere set for 2013 on Nickelodeon and on YTV in Canada.

Munck, who also headlines the Nick pilot Gibby, stars in Nicky Deuce as Nicholas Borelli II, a nerdy, over-protected teen who transforms into the title character.  Nicholas gets caught in the adventure of a lifetime when his plans to attend math camp go awry and he is sent to spend the summer with an uncle (played by Schirripa) he never knew he had in Brooklyn, NY.  A fish out of water at first, Nicholas leans on local kids to help him fit in and winds up mistakenly earning a reputation as a tough guy.  When confronted with some questionable dealings, Nicky uncovers family secrets and learns that the mean streets of Brooklyn aren't always what they seem.

"Nicky Deuce is a comedic coming-of-age story that is uniquely Nickelodeon," said Marjorie Cohn, President, Original Programming and Development, Nickelodeon Group.  "Kids will love seeing Noah Munck in this new light – as culture-shocked Nicky who goes from mathlete to unlikely urban legend on the streets of Bensonhurst.   Steve Schirripa not only wrote the book the movie is based on, but plays Uncle Frankie and brought in a bunch of his former Sopranos castmates to add a level of authenticity and fun to the movie."

"Nicky Deuce is an incredible production with top-notch talent in front of and behind the camera, and we are proud to be in business with such esteemed partners as Nickelodeon and YTV," states Fernando Szew, CEO, MarVista Entertainment.  "Noah Munck, The Sopranos cast members and the incredible Rita Moreno are all bringing a ton of spirit and talent to this project, and it's as much of a joy to produce as it will be to watch."

In addition to his co-starring role in the film, Schirripa serves as executive producer alongside R&R's Ron Gilbert and MarVista's Fernando Szew (Beyond the Break, 3 Holiday Tails) and Robyn Snyder (A Golden Christmas, 16 Wishes, I Me Wed). Jon Rosenbaum (Big Time Rush, Supah Ninjas) is directing from a script by Art Brown (The Boy Who Cried Werewolf, Best Men), Douglas Sloan (The Boy Who Cried Werewolf, Princess Protection Program), Andy Callahan (Ties That Bind), Frank Lombardi (The Nanny) and Matt Fleckenstein (iCarly, Victorious).  R&R's Ric Nish is producing.

Noah Munck's portrayal of Gibby on iCarly marks the first series regular role for the talented comedic actor and earned him a 2011 Kids' Choice Award nomination.  Munck has co-starred in several television series including All of Us, American Body Shop and 1321 Clover and has guest starred in Rules of Engagement, Wizards of Waverly Place, and ER.  He made his feature film debut in 2011 as tough-guy Ryan Tucker in The Rainbow Tribe.  Munck's filmography also includes roles in Fox 2000′s All About Steve, New Line Cinema's Four Christmases and Columbia Pictures' Bad Teacher starring Cameron Diaz. He will next be seen in Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.

Steve Schirripa is best known for playing the likeable mobster Bobby Baccalieri on The Sopranos.  In addition to his six seasons on that show and 5 seasons on The Secret Life of the American Teenager, his other many television appearances include Joey, King of Queens and My Wife and Kids.  Schirripa also hosts, narrates and executive produces the television true-crime series on Investigation Discovery's Nothing Personal, and appeared in Clint Eastwood's Hereafter.

About MarVista Entertainment
Founded in September 2003, MarVista Entertainment is a leading Los Angeles-based producer and worldwide distributor of films and television programming with a content library now featuring more than 2,000 hours of programming. The company has grown to become a preeminent supplier of programming to major cable networks in the U.S., including Lifetime, Hallmark Channel, Disney Channel, NBC Universal and MTV Networks, as well as key international broadcasters, generating extensive global terrestrial and pay television viewership.  In the children's media arena, MarVista serves as the exclusive international distributor for Saban Brands' top rated action adventure franchise, Power Rangers, including the new seasons of Power Rangers Megaforce and Power Rangers Super Samurai, plus the classic library with over 700 episodes.  In 2010, MarVista formed a partnership with Argentina's SNAP TV for original productions and distribution in the Latin America region. In 2011, the Company secured new investment capital from a private investment group led by Brian Sheth.  www.marvista.net

About R&R Productions
With a combined 50 years of production experience in the film and television industry, Ric Nish and Ronald Gilbert joined forces this summer to offer foreign producers services on their Canadian productions, from early preparation to delivery and including tax credit management and interim financing.

Ronald Gilbert is a seasoned Executive Producer based in Montreal who has worked in various Canadian provinces and European countries.  He's been Head of Production for companies such as Mediabiz International, Productions La Fête and TVA International.  He is a founding member of the board of the Quebec Film and Television Commission and is still a member of their Board of Directors.  His credits include The Chronicles of Riddick 3, Magic Beyond Words: The JK Rowling Story, Whiteout, Orphan, and The Moth Diaries.

Ric Nish has worked as a producer, line producer and production manager for over 20 years, specializing in international productions.  His feature film credits include Catch Me If You Can, The Terminal, and The Fountain.  His television work includes season one of Durham County (multi Gemini award winner and DGC award winner), I Me Wed and several pictures for Syfy Channel.

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd 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 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Nickelodeon