Press Release

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Jan 09, 2009 -- Nolan Gerard Funk Toplines as an Aspiring Rock Star in Original TV Movie Premiering in Primetime on February 16 at 8 PM Tammin Sursok, Victoria Justice, Simon Curtis and Greg Germann also Star

Movie Features 10 Original Songs; Soundtrack from Nickelodeon/Columbia Records Hits Stores February 3

Nickelodeon's original primetime TV movie Spectacular! -- premiering Monday, Feb. 16 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT) -- rocks Presidents' Day as it follows charismatic Nikko (Nolan Gerard Funk, Smallville) on an offbeat road to rock stardom that takes swift, sudden twists and turns. Unwavering, after he's kicked out of his band and dumped by his girlfriend, the talented teenage rebel pulls out all the stops on and offstage, using dynamic new music to achieve his dream while facing fierce competition and learning some hard lessons in life and love along the way.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090109/NY57223)

"Spectacular! is a riveting story with heart, great music and tons of tween appeal," said Marjorie Cohn, Executive Vice President, Development and Original Programming. "It's uniquely Nickelodeon because it stays true to our tradition of great characters driving the story, but the edgy music gives it a contemporary twist."

The sparks fly when Nikko joins a musical group called Spectacular! led by preppy Courtney (Tammin Sursok, The Young and the Restless) and mentored by the absent-minded Mr. Romano (Greg Germann, Ally McBeal). A culture clash between the discipline of show choir and the spontaneity of rock and roll ends up producing a whole new musical style for the group (10 original songs take center stage) that could spell big trouble for a rival group. Two musical worlds collide as dueling teams of talented singing and dancing teens angle for a national championship.

When Nikko's ejected from his band for playing by his own rules, he needs quick cash to record a solo demo. Courtney grabs the opportunity to recruit the wannabe rock star as lead singer for her floundering show choir group, Spectacular. Though a stickler for the rules, Courtney slips Nikko into the key spot vacated by Royce (Simon Curtis, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat), who has defected to rival group, Ta-Da. Nikko is wary at first of the glitzy group -- dazzling attire courtesy of Oscar-winning costume designer Angus Strathie (Moulin Rouge) -- but he's also desperate to jump-start his solo career, and the potential prize money is a magnet. Fueling the competition further, Royce's gorgeous new girlfriend Tammi (Victoria Justice, Zoey 101) leads Ta-Da. Will Courtney find a way to adapt to Nikko's style? Can Nikko learn teamwork and can Courtney learn to "feel the music?" Can Spectacular compete with juggernaut Ta-Da? And above all, will Nikko remain loyal while his solo rock career waits in the wings?

Lauren Levine (Bridge to Terabithia, Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh) and Lion Share Productions' Jessica Horowitz serve as executive producers of Spectacular! and Robert Iscove (She's All That) directed a script by James Krieg (Monk). Nickelodeon's Marjorie Cohn and Bill O'Dowd and Michael Espensen of Dolphin Entertainment also serve as executive producers.

Hitmakers Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil composed 10 original songs for the movie, which accompany two covers on the Spectacular! soundtrack from Nickelodeon/Columbia Records, debuting in stores on February 3. Two songs from the album, "Everything Can Change" and "Don't Tell Me" are currently available on iTunes. Gerrard has penned hit singles for the likes of Nick Carter (Help Me), Kelly Clarkson (Breakaway) and Hilary Duff (I Can't Wait), He also has contributed to the soundtracks of High School Musical, The Cheetah Girls 2 and Hannah Montana. Nevil is best known for his '80s dance hit C'est La Vie and co-wrote the theme song for Hannah Montana as well as songs for the High School Musical soundtrack. Choreographer R.J. Durell, has choreographed tours and stage shows for Madonna and Britney Spears.

Nickelodeon will also offer a sneak peek of the movie, behind-the-scenes footage and a playlist of music videos on TurboNick and Nick's wireless and third party online syndication partners. In addition, TurboNick will offer a post-premiere instant replay. Nick.com's special Spectacular site will feature video and MP3 players, quizzes, games, a photo flipcard, star and movie info and various downloads (screensaver, wallpaper, buddy icons). Nickelodeon will also highlight the movie in its February VOD, offering a sneak peek, music videos and Zoey 101 episodes featuring Victoria Justice. The movie will be simulcast on Nickelodeon Mobile.

Nickelodeon, now in its 30th 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, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 98 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 14 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 Nickelodeon

http://www.nickpress.com