HIT Ent. is set to launch a European kids channel within 18 months in a partnership with Hallmark Intl owners Sparrowhawk Media, according to THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.
CEO Bruce Steinberg, former ceo of channel group Fox Kids Europe, plans to leverage the brand internationally, but will not launch in the U.K., where he feels the market is overcrowded.
The new partnership will be similar to the broadcaster's U.S. channel Sprout, which it operates in partnership with PBS, Comcast and Sesame Workshop.
In addition, HIT signed a deal with U.K. exhibition chain Odeon Cinemas to screen a limited print run of a feature-length adventure based on BOB THE BUILDER.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
