Nickelodeon

Laura Sturza Introducing the right artist to a studio project can be as tricky as lining up a match made in heaven. So studio executives devote substantial resources to finding, attracting and maintaining creative talent -- including writers, producers and animators. "We are constantly out scouring film festivals, comedy clubs, comedy showcases, movies that may not necessarily be mainstream," said Erin Gough-Wehrenberg, NBC vice president of Comedy Development.

--Jenna Bordelon BURBANK VILLAGE -- Burbank Animal Shelter officials are hoping a little bit of star power will drive home the need to adopt a puppy or kitten during the holidays. Television actress Katherine Heigl will be on hand at 3 p.m. today at the Media City Center Mall to support the "Adopt-a-Pet" program put on by the city of Burbank, the shelter, Media City Center and Nickelodeon. Heigl stars on the Warner Bros. television show "Roswell."

Disney exec on Top 100 list MEDIA DISTRICT WEST -- Nina Jacobson, President of Buena Vista Motion Picture Group, was ranked No. 16 on the Hollywood Reporter's 100 Most Powerful Women in Entertainment. Jacobson is credited with guiding Disney projects including "Signs," "The Royal Tenenbaums" and "Sweet Home Alabama." Research exec moves to NBC MEDIA DISTRICT WEST -- Melva Goffney was named Senior Vice President of NBC's West Coast Program Research Department.

Wayans brothers lend voices to release Burbank-based Warner Home Video announced on Monday that the company will distribute a new animated series, "Thugaboo," featuring comics Shawn, Marlon and Keenen Ivory Wayans on Aug. 29. Nickelodeon will first air the show, which follows the trials and tribulations of nine friends in "Boo York City," in mid-August. The Wayans brothers wrote the series and lent their voices to the characters. Hospital celebrates quadruplets Providence St. Joseph Medical Center celebrated the birthday of the first set of quadruplets born at the hospital.

Irma Lemus HILLSIDE DISTRICT -- Attention community groups: Get ready to face off for the title of "Trivia Champion." Trivia Challenge 2001, sponsored by Burbank Library Literacy Services, will be at 7 p.m. March 29 at The Castaway restaurant, 1250 Harvard Road. Fritz Coleman, KNBC weatherman, will be the master of ceremonies, presiding over highly competitive groups whose members will try to outsmart one another. Teams must be made up of three people.

It's a rare 4-year-old who can incite a bidding war. But Fyn Stec, the son of an animator at Nickelodeon Studios, didn't have to budge from his spot in the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles to fill the halls of the Cartoon Network Building in Burbank last weekend with savvy bidders, all vying to take home the art that covered the walls. "This was all word-of-mouth," said Cindy Morrow, a family friend and storyboard artist at the Cartoon Network. "I thought there would be about 40 pieces ?

Karen S. Kim SOUTH SAN FERNANDO -- Viacom Inc. announced Tuesday that its acquisition of BET Holdings II Inc. has been completed with a $3-billion deal. Viacom first announced the acquisition on Nov. 3. Though Burbank's Black Entertainment Television offices at 811 S. San Fernando Blvd. will have a new corporate boss, BET founder Robert Johnson will remain chairman and chief executive officer of the company. Debra Lee will continue as BET's president.

Jackson Bell Lisa Lillien knew she was on to something when she had low-calorie pastries from her favorite local sweet shop analyzed and learned that they were twice as fattening as the business claimed. Though she decided not to expose the shop -- and declined to name them for this article -- Lillien knew that her in-depth research on food she loves could benefit more than herself. So she decided to launch the website and daily e-mail newsletter Hungry Girl -- Tips & Tricks for Hungry Chicks.

Molly Shore Jenna Flynn's career goal is to be a professional soccer player and veterinarian. But for now, the Jordan Middle School sixth-grader is happy to be one of 15 national TIME for Kids reporters. Jenna hobnobbed with Hollywood's brightest stars when she covered the 16th annual Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards at the Santa Monica Airport on April 12. "It was really exciting seeing the stars walking up on the orange carpet," Jenna said, adding that orange is used because it is the color of Nickelodeon's logo.