HIT Ent. announced multiple international deals for its properties BARNEY, ANGELINA BALLERINA, THOMAS & FRIENDS and BOB THE BUILDER at MIPCOM.
Dubai TV has launched BARNEY on free TV in the Middle East, The program debuted there in 2000 and has seen growing success. A live show is underway for early 2004. As well, the series has been licensed to Hong Kong ATV World Channel. In addition, video deals have been signed for Argentina, Peru and Chile.
HITs ANGELINA BALLERINA debuted on Nick Jr. in the U.K. on October 6, 2003. This deal coincides with a direct-to-video feature on October 13, a ballet music CD and the second year of sponsorship of the English National Ballets Christmas production of THE NUTCRACKER. Also Italys Mediaset has acquired the second season of the show as well as the Christmas special.
THOMAS & FRIENDS will arrive in Italy via The Disney Channel starting December 2003. The 39x5 series will air as part of PLAYHOUSE DISNEY block weekday mornings. The channel plans to launch a marketing campaign to new mothers to promote the series.
HIT and The Original Traffic Co. (OTC) have signed a new video deal for BOB THE BUILDER in Benelux. The new agreement will give OTC the video rights to season seven and eight as well as the special KNIGHTS OF CAN A LOT.
Other programs HIT took to MIPCOM included: FIREMAN SAMOSWALD, international hit PINGU, RUBBADUBBERS and YOKO! TOTO! JAKAMOTO!
HIT Ent. PLC is one of the worlds leading independent childrens entertainment producers and rights owners. The company includes live-action and animation production studios in both the U.S. and U.K. as well as home entertainment, licensing and publishing operations. For more information, visit www.hitentertainment.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
