Connect with us

Technology

WILDBRAIN TEAMS UP WITH THE PHILLY SPECIALS–JASON KELCE, LANE JOHNSON AND JORDAN MAILATA–TO LAUNCH A NEW ANIMATED VIDEO FOR THEIR HIT HOLIDAY SONG “IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME (IN CLEVELAND HEIGHTS)” FEATURING BOYZ II MEN, FROM THEIR 2024 HOLIDAY ALBUM, A PHILLY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Published

1 year ago

on

With lead vocals by famed NFL brothers, Jason and Travis Kelce, the new video drops today as part of The Philly Specials’ holiday charity initiative “Operation Snowball,” which also includes six new animated digital shorts from WildBrain

PHILADELPHIA and TORONTO, Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, has teamed up with The Philly Specials—the music group formed by NFL Eagles Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata and retired Eagle, Jason Kelce —to produce a brand-new animated music video for their original song “It’s Christmas Time (In Cleveland Heights)” written by The Philly Specials’ Zach Miller (Dr. Dog) and featuring smooth guest vocals by Philadelphia’s iconic R&B trio, Boyz II Men. WildBrain has also produced six new animated shorts inspired by The Philly Specials that will be rolling out on social media this holiday season. WildBrain is making the new videos available for fans to enjoy on the WildBrain Kids YouTube channel and on WildBrain Television’s Family Channel in Canada.

 

WildBrain and The Philly Specials release new animated video for “It’s Christmas Time (In Cleveland Heights)”

The first single from A Philly Special Christmas Party (Vera Y Records), “It’s Christmas Time (In Cleveland Heights),” debuted at #7 on the iTunes Holiday Chart this November and features brothers Jason and Travis Kelce singing about coming home at Christmas to Cleveland Heights, the Ohio suburb where they grew up. Produced by Charlie Hall (The War on Drugs) and executive producer Connor Barwin (Vera Y Records), the track is from The Philly Specials’ third and final holiday album, A Philly Special Christmas Party, a centerpiece of the group’s Operation Snowball, the ambitious charity initiative that will give a gift to every student in the School District of Philadelphia this holiday season. Proceeds from sales of A Philly Special Christmas Party will go to support Operation Snowball with the goal to exceed the $4 million donated in 2022 and 2023 from the sales of previous holiday albums, A Philly Special Christmas and A Philly Special Christmas Special.

The Philly Specials Rescue Santa

The new animated videos are produced in support of Operation Snowball by the talented team at WildBrain’s Vancouver studio—the folks behind such hits as Camp Snoopy on Apple TV+ and SEGA’s Sonic Prime on Netflix. The delightful new ’90s-R&B-meets-nostalgia music video for “It’s Christmas Time (In Cleveland Heights)” sees The Philly Specials embark on a thrilling animated expedition across the polar tundra to find Santa Claus and save Christmas for the world—and Cleveland Heights!

Following a trail of scattered gifts, The Philly Specials discover Santa’s sleigh has crashed into a snow drift on Christmas Eve, his toys have been lost and the reindeer have fled! Rescuing St. Nick, they team up with him and head to the North Pole in the wee hours (long after the Elves have gone to bed) to rebuild the lost toys and help make heroic deliveries around the world, ending in a triumphant return to Cleveland Heights.

Connor Barwin said: “We were delighted to work with WildBrain on the animated video for ‘It’s Christmas Time (In Cleveland Heights).’ Our goal was to capture the spirit of the song in a magical animated world with Jason, Travis and the whole Philly Specials gang. We wanted it to be fun for kids and a little nostalgic for adults, and the team at WildBrain nailed it. They were such a creative and collaborative group to work with, and we can’t wait for everyone to see it!”

Stephanie Betts, Executive Vice President of Content Creation at WildBrain, said: “We were thrilled to collaborate with The Philly Specials’ team and Vera Y Records on the video for ‘It’s Christmas Time (In Cleveland Heights)’ and the accompanying social media shorts. It was a true pleasure for our team to bring their creative vision to life through animation, and we had an incredible time working together. Their dedication to children and families during the holiday season is nothing short of inspiring, and we were honored to support their efforts in making the world a brighter, better place.”

Get A Philly Special Christmas Party and support Operation Snowball

Fans can order the new album on white vinyl or CD from the official website below, or download it on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube music or wherever you stream your favorite songs. Fans can also support Operation Snowball by donating directly to The Fund for The School District of Philadelphia.

Find The Philly Specials Online:

Official: http://phillyspecialchristmas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aphillyspecialchristmasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aphillyspecialchristmasSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4JPJvxDtfBlQAiNm8dd7vX?si=Q4mf4KuhQXOinKfWHpKDCg

For more information, please contact:

For WildBrain: Shaun Smith – Sr. Director, Global Communications & Public Relations, WildBrain
shaun.smith@wildbrain.com 

For The Philly Specials: Maggie Poulos | Mixtape Media
Maggie@mixtape-media.com 

About WildBrain

At WildBrain we inspire imaginations through the wonder of storytelling. As a leader in 360° franchise management, we are experts in content creation, audience engagement and global licensing, cultivating and growing love for our own and partner brands around the world. With approximately 14,000 half-hours of kids’ and family content in our library—one of the world’s most extensive—we are home to such treasured franchises as Peanuts, Teletubbies, Strawberry Shortcake, Yo Gabba Gabba!, Inspector Gadget and Degrassi. WildBrain’s mission is to create exceptional entertainment experiences that captivate and delight fans both young and young at heart.

Our studios produce such award-winning series as The Snoopy Show; Snoopy in Space; Camp Snoopy; Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City; Sonic Prime; Chip and Potato; Teletubbies Let’s Go! and many more. Enjoyed in more than 150 countries on over 500 platforms, our content is everywhere kids and families view entertainment, including YouTube, where our network has garnered approximately 1.5 trillion minutes of watch time. Our television group owns and operates some of Canada’s most loved family entertainment channels. WildBrain CPLG, our leading consumer-products and location-based entertainment agency, represents our owned and partner properties in every major territory worldwide.

WildBrain is headquartered in Canada with offices worldwide and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: WILD). Visit us at wildbrain.com.

About The Philly Specials

The Philly Specials are a collaboration between NFL players Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata, and Lane Johnson and musicians including Stevie Nicks, Patti LaBelle, Boyz II Men, Devon Gilfillian, The Hooters, members of The War On Drugs, Dr. Dog, Sun Ra Arkestra and more. The project celebrates the true spirit of the holiday season through music, friendship, and joy while raising money to support charitable organizations throughout Greater Philadelphia. A Philly Special Christmas Special raised over $3M for local charities, including Children’s Crisis Treatment Center and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Snowflake Station. Singles, “This Christmas,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Fairytale of Philadelphia,” and “Pretty Paper,” have garnered over 10M streams across platforms, “Fairytale of Philadelphia” reached #1 on iTunes, and 50,000 copies have been sold on vinyl. Its predecessor in 2022, A Philly Special Christmas, immediately sold out its limited pressing. The record reached four top ten spots on various Billboard Music Charts including #1 on the Compilation Albums Chart. A Philly Special Christmas donated over $1M to local charities, including Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, and fulfilled the wish lists of Philadelphia School District teachers via Donors Choose.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wildbrain-teams-up-with-the-philly-specialsjason-kelce-lane-johnson-and-jordan-mailatato-launch-a-new-animated-video-for-their-hit-holiday-song-its-christmas-time-in-cleveland-heights-featuring-boyz-ii-men-from-their-2024-302324884.html

SOURCE WildBrain Ltd.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

TrailIntel Acquires GPS Trailmasters Software Platform to Advance Next-Generation Outdoor Navigation

Published

47 minutes ago

on

April 23, 2026

By

This advancement significantly expands the capabilities available to riders, introducing a more powerful, connected, and scalable navigation experience across Garmin, Mobile and Web.

STRONG, Maine, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — TrailIntel, the industry’s leading vertically integrated outdoor technology platform, today announced the acquisition and integration of GPS Trailmasters’ Garmin and mobile software products. This milestone builds on the longstanding relationship between the two companies and marks a significant step forward in delivering a more connected, intuitive, and scalable navigation experience for outdoor enthusiasts across North America.

“This is a major leap forward for outdoor recreation,” said Brian Gavin, Co-Founder of TrailIntel. “We’re preserving trusted mapping while delivering a more connected, simplified navigation experience on and off the trail.”

For over 18 years, GPS Trailmasters has been a trusted leader in electronic trail mapping, known for delivering highly accurate and reliable data to riders throughout the Northeastern United States. By integrating this proven dataset into TrailIntel’s modern platform, the combined solution introduces enhanced functionality, real-time capabilities, and a streamlined user experience across both Garmin and mobile devices.

TrailIntel’s mission is to deliver a complete, easy-to-use platform that connects planning, navigation, real-time trail conditions, and community engagement—enhancing safety, simplifying operations, and improving the outdoor experience.

“The evolution of GPS Trailmasters into TrailIntel represents a major leap forward for the outdoor recreation industry,” said Brian Gavin, Co-Founder of TrailIntel. “We’re preserving the trusted mapping foundation riders rely on, while introducing a more powerful, connected experience that simplifies navigation and expands what’s possible both on and off the trail.”

As part of the transition, Eric Murphy, owner of GPS Trailmasters, joins TrailIntel as Chief Geospatial Officer, where he will lead mapping strategy, expansion, and ongoing data development across all supported regions. “I’ve always believed in building high-quality maps and strong relationships within the riding community,” said Murphy. “With TrailIntel, we’re able to take everything GPS Trailmasters has built and scale it nationally, while continuing to deliver the same level of quality, service, and trust our customers expect.”

What This Means for Riders. The integration delivers a seamless upgrade for existing GPS Trailmasters customers, while introducing new capabilities across the TrailIntel platform: for Garmin users: simplified installation and map updates, expanded device compatibility, automatic route syncing from TrailIntel, streamlined experience with no third-party software required.

For Mobile Users: Real-time trail updates and conditions, offline navigation and breadcrumb tracking, turn-by-turn routing, community-driven insights and shared content advancing the outdoor experience.

The combination of GPS Trailmasters’ trusted mapping data with TrailIntel’s modern technology platform creates a comprehensive solution designed to serve the entire outdoor ecosystem: riders gain better planning tools, safer navigation, and more confidence on the trail. Clubs benefit from improved tools to manage, maintain, and grow their trail systems. Businesses and communities gain increased visibility and new opportunities driven by outdoor tourism

A key initiative of TrailIntel is continuing to support the organizations that sustain outdoor recreation, including opportunities to drive engagement and funding back to local clubs and trail systems.

Expanded Role for GPS Trailmasters. GPS Trailmasters will continue to operate under its brand, taking on an expanded role focused on nationwide hardware distribution and support, including: garmin device sales, ride Ready tablets, mounting systems and accessories.

This evolution allows GPS Trailmasters to extend its reach beyond the Northeast while supporting the growing demand for integrated hardware and software solutions.

A Pivotal Moment for Outdoor Recreation. The integration represents a long-term investment in the future of outdoor navigation, one that prioritizes accuracy, usability, and real-time connectivity. By combining legacy expertise with modern technology, TrailIntel is redefining how riders discover, plan, and experience the outdoors.

About TrailIntel:

TrailIntel is the industry’s first vertically integrated outdoor technology platform, designed to connect riders, clubs, businesses, and first responders through mapping, navigation, and real-time data. The platform delivers a seamless experience across mobile, web, and Garmin devices, helping users plan smarter and explore with confidence. For more information about TrailIntel, visit www.trailintel.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram at @TrailIntel.

About GPS Trailmasters:

GPS Trailmasters has been a trusted provider of trail mapping technology for over 18 years, delivering high-quality GPS-based navigation solutions for snowmobile and ATV riders. The company will continue operations as a leading hardware provider supporting the TrailIntel ecosystem. For more information about GPS Trailmasters, visit www.gpstrailmasters.com and follow along on Facebook.

Media Contact

Brian Gavin, Trailintel, 1 207-241-4745, brian@trailintel.com, trailintel.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/trailintel-acquires-gps-trailmasters-software-platform-to-advance-next-generation-outdoor-navigation-302750997.html

SOURCE Trailintel

Continue Reading

Technology

Z3 Technology Enables Rapid Project Development with the EXOSENS MicroCube XP Thermal Cores

Published

47 minutes ago

on

April 23, 2026

By

LINCOLN, Neb., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Z3 Technology, LLC, a leader in embedded camera encoding systems, today announces the release of our CIB-EX22 Camera Interface Board, which enables direct control and power to the EXOSENS MicroCube 640 XP shutterless thermal camera from Z3 OEM Video Encoder solutions through an LVDS digital video output connector, via 30-pin KEL cable. Jumpstart your camera system development with Z3’s cutting-edge hardware encoding technology for real-time video streaming.

Designed for efficiency and performance, our video encoders combine top-tier video compression and ultra-low bandwidth usage into a solution consuming <5W of power. Full camera and encoder control is available through serial or remote APIs, while multiple UART and GPIO interfaces enable seamless integration with external devices such as pan/tilt mounts, heater and wiper triggers, GPS, and range finders. User custom development is supported through our comprehensive SDK and OEM Starter Kits, allowing for rapid adaptation of evolving mission requirements. Hardware Specification documents, 3D model files, and interface schematics are available upon request to accelerate development progress. Z3 Technology solutions support simultaneous video streaming and recording across a wide range of camera models, delivering flexible, reliable video performance at the tactical edge.

“Z3 Technology is excited to announce our support of EXOSENS MicroCube XP series of shutterless thermal camera cores. Our new CIB-EX22 will enable seamless integration and control via our series of Z3 OEM Video Encoders for numerous markets including unmanned vehicles, security, surveillance, and remote sensing,” said Aaron Caldwell CEO of Z3 Technology, LLC.

Our miniature Q603 product line is the perfect platform to compliment efforts that the EXOSENS team has shown, considering the minimal footprint design of the MicroCube 640 XP. Development teams contemplating the addition of a 2nd thermal sensor or a visible zoom block camera should look no further than our FV2K and FV4K models, which have an additional video input for dual camera streaming up to 4Kp30. Proven product applications include camera systems in industries like Security & Surveillance, Unmanned Systems, and Military Video Solutions.

“In a win-win approach, this first bundle CIB-EX22 / MicroCube 640 XP values the true SWaP approach of EXOSENS LWIR thermal cores, required for highly integrated electro-optic systems,” said Mr. Guillaume Bunoz, Executive General Manager of EXOSENS Advanced Imaging Business Unit. “Microcube XP features many USPs (e.g. 1pt-NUC shutterless, tunable functions, OSD, low latency) that make it successful, especially in UAS market segment. This bundle with Z3 enables users to easily implement the DV CMOS 16 bits variant, beside the existing popular MIPI and UVC product versions of the MicroCube 640 XP.”

Explore What’s Possible with Z3 Technology
All Z3 video solutions are Made in the USA and fully compliant with NDAA, TAA, REACH, and RoHS requirements. Product design and manufacturing are performed by Z3 Technology, LLC, an ISO 9001–certified manufacturer.

Z3’s flexible embedded video encoder solutions can help power your next innovation. Learn more about our hardware encoding solutions and contact us to discuss your integration needs.

For more information on Z3 Technology’s SD to 4K Embedded Encoders and Camera Solutions, contact us today. Email sales@z3technology.com or visit our website at https://z3technology.com/products/oem/ to explore available options.

All product and company names mentioned within are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective owners.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/z3-technology-enables-rapid-project-development-with-the-exosens-microcube-xp-thermal-cores-302751003.html

SOURCE Z3 Technology

Continue Reading

Technology

CareScout Joins Ensight™ Intelligent Quote LTC & Life Marketplace

Published

47 minutes ago

on

April 23, 2026

By

Ensight, a leading digital sales acceleration platform for life, long-term care (LTC), and annuity insurance, today announced that CareScout Care Assurance, the inaugural long-term care insurance solution from CareScout Insurance Company (CareScout), is now available on its Intelligent Quote Platform.

SAN DIEGO, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ensight, a leading digital sales acceleration platform for life, long-term care (LTC), and annuity insurance, today announced that CareScout Care Assurance, the inaugural long-term care insurance solution from CareScout Insurance Company (CareScout), is now available on its Intelligent Quote Platform. This partnership marks a significant milestone for CareScout, signaling its rapid growth and commitment to a more integrated model for planning, finding, and funding care.

“By expanding access to Care Assurance through the Ensight platform, we’re making it easier for families to plan, navigate, and pay for long-term care in a more connected way.”

CareScout Care Assurance is a simple, personalized LTC insurance solution designed to help protect clients and their families from future care costs. When choosing CareScout, policyholders gain access to a unified ecosystem that brings together financial protection, expert guidance, and connections to trusted care providers – supporting families across every stage of the aging journey.

“CareScout represents an important and unique value-added addition to the growing range of solutions available in the long-term care market,” said Bill Unrue, CEO of Ensight. “We are thrilled to add the CareScout Care Assurance solution to the Ensight Intelligent Quote marketplace, providing distributors and financial professionals access to a holistic insurance product that expands the value of financial protection with additional integrated services.”

A modern LTC solution built for families, not just policyholders:

Care Assurance connects policyholders and their families to CareScout’s platform, helping them navigate care decisions, identify quality providers, and access trusted resources. This integrated approach reflects CareScout’s belief that insurance alone is incomplete without services, and that families benefit most when coverage, navigation, and support are unified.

“Families don’t experience aging or caregiving in silos,” said Samir Shah, CEO of CareScout. “By expanding access to Care Assurance through the Ensight platform, we’re making it easier for families to plan, navigate, and pay for long-term care in a more connected way.”

Supporting advisors in a changing long-term care landscape:

Ensight’s Intelligent Quote Platform enables financial professionals to efficiently illustrate and compare life, LTC, and annuity products while supporting more informed client conversations. With the addition of CareScout Care Assurance, Ensight’s growing distributor community gains access to an innovative solution built for today’s realities: rising longevity, increasing caregiving responsibilities, and families seeking clarity across planning, care, and funding.

About Ensight™

Ensight™ is the leading cloud-based insurance sales acceleration platform for more than 500 life, long-term care (LTC) and annuity distributors, thousands of financial professionals, as well as many of the largest North American insurance carriers. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Ensight helps drive sales growth and productivity, while addressing the entire sales lifecycle experience – from prospect to policyholder, new business to inforce.

To learn more about Ensight, visit https://www.ensightcloud.com/

About CareScout

CareScout helps older adults and their families navigate the aging journey, find, and fund quality care. Inspired by a mission to simplify and dignify the aging experience, we’re building an integrated ecosystem of care and funding solutions. To learn more about CareScout, visit www.CareScout.com. CareScout is a wholly owned subsidiary of Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW). CareScout is the marketing name for CareScout Holdings, Inc., its affiliates and entities. Affiliates and entities are solely and separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.

Media Contact
Matt Essick, Ensight, 1 (619) 430-0587, messick@ensightcloud.com, https://ensightcloud.com
Evans Mandes, CareScout, 1 804-629-6582, evans.mandes@carescout.com, https://www.carescout.com/ 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/carescout-joins-ensight-intelligent-quote-ltc–life-marketplace-302750986.html

SOURCE Ensight

Continue Reading

Trending