Today, Discovery Communications, Exhibits Development Group announced the launch of MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition, in partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago and Geoffrey M. Curley + Associates. The exhibition, set to debut March 15, will explore the truth behind popular myths by mixing scientific method with curiosity and old-fashioned ingenuity, creating a hands-on interactive experience for guests of all ages.

The Discovery Channel’s Emmy-nominated series, co-hosted by Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, has taken science to a new level, mixing their extensive backgrounds in special effects and curiosity to test every myth for its falsity or truth, and can now be enjoyed by the masses.

In the exhibit, guest will learn about myths, the MythBusters, and what experimenting is all about by participating in a series of fun, hands-on experiences and live demonstrations. Experiments will cover topics such as flight, friction, gravity, speed, and combustion.

The exhibit will also showcase a Blueprint Room, based off the real-life operations room of MythBusters; a Workshop Room, where guests turn into investigators and use real science to test myths and answer a series of challenging questions; and the Live MythBusters Demonstration Stage, which gives guests the opportunity to view and participate in live science demonstrations that dissect myths with the help of MythBusting facilitators.

Tickets for the exhibition at MSI go on sale December 1 and will also tour 14 additional cities in the U.S. and Canada. For an extensive list, visit www.exhibitsdevelopment.com.

—Ericka Johnson

Discovery Communications Launches Technology Program for Kids

This back-to-school season, Discovery Communications, Inc. is helping empower tech-savvy kids with the launch of Discovery Kids Puterbugs, a technology-based program that teaches kids age 8 and under to use technology to solve problems and build important skills. Discovery Kids Puterbugs is presented by Discovery Kids and Imagine Tomorrow, the leading provider of computer classes for young children. The deal was brokered on behalf of Discovery Communications by Big Tent Entertainment, the North American licensing agent for the Discovery Kids brand.

A first-of-its-kind program, Discovery Kids Puterbugs is the only interactive experience available that teaches kids, in a fun and age-appropriate way, the full scope of technology skills in today’s digital world. In a safe environment that promotes a healthy foundation and proper tech etiquette, the program helps kids master skills that range from basic file navigation, Internet, and keyboarding skills to an understanding of the latest technology, such as mobile apps and cloud computing. The classes are currently being offered across the country in more than 700 locations, including a rollout of schools through a national partnership with early childhood education provider, Learning Care Group.

The Collective Debuts Licensing Program for The Annoying Orange

Viral sensation The Annoying Orange will break out of the virtual kitchen with the launch of the property’s first licensed program, led by The Collective. Foundation apparel and accessory partners for the juicy brand include Hybrid Apparel and Accessory Innovations, who have signed on to develop collections targeted to young men and juniors. The Hybrid Apparel and Accessory Innovations deals were brokered on behalf of The Collective by The Joester Loria Group (TJLG), the licensing agent for The Annoying Orange brand.

Created by Dane Boedingheimer, The Annoying Orange features an endearingly annoying and highly entertaining Orange that playfully heckles other fruits, vegetables, or nearby objects with puns and jokes. Product designs for the new line will feature the zany fruit stars and “puntastic” content straight from the series. Hybrid Apparel will develop a variety of Annoying Orange apparel including young men’s and junior’s tees and fleece that will be available at key specialty retailers such as Hot Topic and Rue 21 in the fall, and JC Penney, where it will launch as a mid-tier exclusive in October. In addition, Accessory Innovations will introduce a line of headwear and cold weather accessories in time for the holiday season.  Bags and accessories will debut next spring.

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Discovery Communications, Inc., announced today a licensing agreement with NKOK, Inc., for the Discovery Kids brand. Through the agreement, NKOK will develop a collection of branded radio-controlled and interactive products inspired by Discovery Kids, a real-world entertainment property for kids. The collection is designed to encourage kids to learn about and interact with the world around them.

NKOK, which has created popular products for pop culture brand icons such as Halo, Hello Kitty, Smurfs, Shrek, and Sonic, will create a line of Discovery Kids branded radio-controlled stunt vehicles and the Shooting Robo Warrior Robot.

In addition to the radio-controlled products, NKOK will also release a line of Discovery Kids-branded non-RC products including a Trace-n-Draw Projector, Space Coaster Construction Rollercoaster, Sewing Machine, and Space Ship Laser Tag. Product will be available at toy, mid-tier, and mass retailers throughout the United States and Canada beginning this fall.

“We are inspired by the potential this license has for our current 2011 items and the new 2012 development, which will be shared during the Fall Toy Preview Show in Dallas, October 4-6,” says Jason Rey, director of licensing and development for NKOK, Inc.

The deal was brokered on behalf of Discovery Communications by Big Tent Entertainment, the North American licensing agent for the Discovery Kids brand.

Discovery Communications announced it will launch branded Discovery Fit & Health consumer products, delivering practical, proactive health and fitness lifestyle solutions for health conscious consumers. The Discovery Fit & Health brand will be represented by Discovery Communications’ North American licensing agent, The Joester Loria Group.

The first partner to launch a Discovery Fit & Health consumer product line is Inovatex, LLC, which will debut a collection of branded bedding products including sheets, comforters, blankets, duvets, pillows, mattress pads and toppers, pillow protectors, and mattress covers. Set to debut fall 2012, the products are designed to offer health related solutions by utilizing the latest new technology, innovative fabric, fiber fill, and construction. Retail distribution will target department stores, mid-tier, and specialty chains in the U.S. and Canada.

In addition to sleep management, strategic partnerships will be developed with leading retailers and manufacturers across multiple categories, including fitness products, relaxation and massage therapy, diagnostic and consumer electronics, personal care, eyewear, first aid, and publishing.

Big Tent Entertainment, the North American licensing agent for the Discovery Kids and TLC brands, announced today it has expanded its relationship with Discovery Communications, Inc., to include the network Science. As the exclusive North American licensing agency of record for the newly rebranded Science, Big Tent Entertainment will build a consumer products program centered on the overarching Science brand, as well as the network’s lineup of ground-breaking programming, such as Punkin Chunkin and How It’s Made.

The Science licensing program will place an emphasis on partnerships which are rooted in both science and pop culture while promoting experimentation and understanding of the mysterious world around us. Big Tent Entertainment will focus on the tween, teen, and adult male demographics in the following initial key licensing categories: electronics, novelty, toys, activity/kits, do-it-yourself, apps, décor, and outdoor.

Currently in more than 68 million homes, Science generated its highest-rated quarter ever earlier this year with more than 33 million viewers. Science is geared toward the thought provocateur—the individual who is unafraid to ask the killer questions of “how” and “why not?” This month Science unveiled an all-new futuristic look and logo called Morph, inspired by the constant transformation of energy and passion for exploring the unknown.

Discovery Communications, Inc., the world’s number one nonfiction media company, formed new licensing deals with home textiles leader, Franco and Cosrich Group, Inc., the leader in licensed health and beauty products. The new lines will be part of Discovery Kids branded products, the No. 1 real-world entertainment brand for kids.

Through the long-term agreements, Franco has signed on to produce a comprehensive line of bedroom and bath accessories while Cosrich will create an array of children’s bath activity sets. The deal was brokered on behalf of Discovery Communications by Big Tent Entertainment, the North American licensing agent for the Discovery Kids brand.

The collection created by Franco will feature rugs, draperies, blankets, bath and beach towels, throw blankets, and vinyl place mats. The bath activity products from Cosrich will include soap, body wash, bubble bath, shampoo, bath crayons, sponges, stone paper sheets, fizzing bath rocks, and foam pieces for kids, using eco-friendly materials and packaging. Product will be available at mid-tier and mass retailers throughout the United States and Canada beginning holiday 2011.

Discovery Communications is expanding its Discovery Expedition product line with two new licensing deals. Zeikos Inc. will develop a collection of consumer electronic accessories. Specific products, including digital cameras, waterproof earphones, sports armband music player, swivel iPad speaker and protector case, webcam speaker system, portable travel speaker system, weatherproof MP3 and MP4 docking system, will debut at retail this fall.

Additionally, Bravo Sports will produce a line of camping and tailgating chairs. Products will launch in spring 2012. The Discovery Expedition line of chairs will feature canopies and cargo pockets for storage.

The North-American deals were brokered on behalf of Discovery Communications by its licensing agent, the Joester Loria Group.

Spuds Inc., a producer of organic and all-natural infant and toddler feeding products, and Discovery Communications will develop a line of feeding products for the brand TLC Baby.

As part of the agreement, Spuds will create a line of natural and organic infant and toddler essentials inspired by the network’s baby programming. The product line will be introduced to retailers this spring.

Igglepiggle is coming to the U.S. as BBC Worldwide and Ragdoll Productions close a deal to sell In the Night Garden to the Discovery Communications-Hasbro multi-platform joint venture, The Hub.

Beginning October 2010, preschool children in the U.S. will be able to join Igglepiggle and Upsy Daisy on their adventures with Makka Pakka and friends as In the Night Garden airs in the U.S. for the first time.

Produced by Ragdoll Productions for Ragdoll Worldwide, Ltd., In the Night Garden is a BBC Worldwide/Ragdoll joint venture. The series is a modern televisual interpretation of a nursery rhyme picture book, and takes children on an imaginative journey to meet a host of toy characters.

The Hub has secured broadcasting rights for all 100 x 30 episodes of In the Night Garden.

Additionally, this summer, UK fans will have the opportunity to see In the Night Garden live as the show embarks on its first ever live tour of four major cities. The show debuts in Liverpool on July 17 and will travel to London, Glasgow, and Birmingham.

Discovery Communications, Inc., has announced the launch of TLC Baby, a brand of products dedicated to new and expecting parents.

Discovery Communications and Big Tent Entertainment are developing a comprehensive consumer products program for TLC Baby that represents practical items for “the everyday life, made simpler.” Big Tent Entertainment will focus on securing several foundation partners for the TLC Baby brand across multiple categories including learning and development, health and safety, bath, feeding, electronics, furniture, room decor, bedding/blankets, layette, and apparel.

Big Tent Entertainment, which currently represents Discovery Kids, is the newly appointed U.S. licensing agency of record for the overall TLC brand, including TLC Baby.