Leading family entertainment producer and distributor Chorion has secured new licensing and retail deals for Mr. Men and Little Miss in Brazil through its agent Exim Licensing.

Imira Entertainment, Spain’s leading production and distribution company specialising in youth programming, has signed a number of deals across its portfolio in Latin America, with sales to Brazil, Argentina and Ecuador.

HIT Entertainment, a leading provider of quality children’s entertainment, has partnered with Falabella, a leading department store in Latin America, to launch an exclusive Thomas & Friends direct to retail program in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru.

Debuting internationally ahead of its U.S. premiere this weekend, RIO flew away with the biggest international opening of the year thus far, writes The Hollywood Reporter. Opening in 72 markets, the animated comedy made approximately $55 million.

HIT Entertainment, a leading provider of quality children’s entertainment, is pleased to announce three new publishing deals for Barney, Thomas & Friends, and for the first time, Angelina Ballerina, in Latin America.

ZIO Studios announced the key hire as part of its current expansion phase in which it will be developing next-generation 3D social and mobile games, as well as its own animation titles for film and television.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 has become the highest grossing installment in the Harry Potter franchise in international markets.

ZIO Studios, one of Latin America’s leading animation and gaming companies, announced today it closed its first institutional funding round for $1.3 million from fund manager Promotora through its venture capital arm, which focuses on technology, software, and life sciences investments in the region.

Toei Animation announced today that it has finalized new licensing and merchandising deals in Latin America for several of the company’s animated properties.

The 19th edition of the International Animation Festival of Brazil, Anima Mundi 2011 takes place from July 15 to 24 in Rio de Janeiro and from July 27 to 31 in Sao Paulo.