HIT Entertainment, one of the world’s leading independent children’s entertainment producers and rights owners, and Haven Licensing, have today announced the appointment of Big Balloon as Australian toy licensee for popular pre-school brands Fireman Sam and Bob the Builder.

Yoram Gross’ films will represent Australian animation at the Chitrakatha’11 international festival in India, from October 19 to 23.

As the trend in Hollywood toward increasingly sophisticated, visually immersive stereo 3D production continues, another trend is gaining ground as well; studios partnering with smaller, specialized stereo 3D production artists around the world who have invested in the tools and techniques to create custom stereo production pipelines built on the industry’s most leading edge technologies.

Zoobabu, the new series from BRB Internacional in 3D stereoscopic, has just signed the first agreements that will take its fun-filled guessing programs to kids practically the world over.

Vicon, developer of motion capture systems for the entertainment, life science and engineering industries, announced that Gyroscopik Studios, one of Mexico’s largest 3D animation and VFX facilities, is opening Latin America’s largest Vicon motion capture stage at the new Chapala Media Park near their headquarters in Guadalajara, Mexico – the region’s filmmaking hub.

Leading kids’ entertainment specialist, CAKE has bolstered its relationship with The Walt Disney Company’s television group following strong sales of two key programmes to Disney Channels.

Short animated film ”Nullarbor” by Melbourne’s The Lampshade Collective received the Yoram Gross Animation Award at the Sydney Film Festival over the weekend.

Sydney Opera House today announced the return of the global GRAPHIC animation competition as part of the GRAPHIC 2011 festival of storytelling, animation and music.

The creator of classics Blinky Bill and Dot and the Kangaroo will judge the final section of Canberra Short Film Festival as part of a three member panel.

Toei Animation has secured major Latin American broadcast deals in Mexico and Colombia for Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Kai, it was announced today by Eduardo Lucio, Senior Sales Manager for Toei Animation.

Continuing the prolific global expansion of its flagship multiplatform property, POCOYO, Zinkia Entertainment has secured a number of new licensing partners for the popular children’s brand across Asia and Latin America.

Argentina-based Distribution Co. has picked up the rights to the Mexican-Argentinean co-production TOP CAT, based on the Hanna-Barbera character, reports Variety.

Shotgun Software, developers of the Shotgun web-based production tracking and collaboration system, announced today that the visual effects units of Deluxe Entertainment Services Group have purchased a multi-site Shotgun license to seamlessly connect its global facilities, which include Method Studios in Los Angeles, Vancouver, New York and London; Postmodern in Sydney, and Rushes in London.

Consumers are always looking for the "next big thing," whether it be in food, celebrities or gadgets.

SEGA® Studios Australia are pleased to announce their new name and corporate image.

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.

Cartoon Network has acquired the rights to Tianjin North Film Studio's 3-D feature LEGEND OF THE RABBIT, reports Variety.

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.