World Screen

SILVER SPRING: Discovery Networks International has started production on Mission Menu, a restaurant makeover program that will premiere on TLC International in 2012. The 12×30-minute series is a co-production with nuvoTV, which will rebrand from Sí TV next month. Mission …

PARIS: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has signed an agreement that sees the first-ever MTV branded block launching in Bulgaria, in a deal with City TV. The block will air twice a week, featuring shows such as Paris Hilton’s My …

NEW YORK: The McGraw-Hill Companies is looking to exit the broadcasting business, enlisting Morgan Stanley & Co. to find buyers for its portfolio of U.S. TV stations. The move is part of a strategic review at McGraw-Hill to "reevaluate its strategic …

UNIVERSAL CITY: Peter Traugott has signed a three-year overall development deal with Universal Media Studios to produce scripted comedies and dramas. Most recently the president of television at Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Traugott is behind the upcoming drama Ringer, as well …

BANFF: The lineup of Canadian original productions headed to TELETOON’s schedule includes 9 Story Entertainment’s Fugget About It, set for TELETOON at Night, and Breakthrough Entertainment’s Rocket Monkeys, to launch in fall 2012. The 13×22-minute Fugget About It will launch …

LAS VEGAS: Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) has joined the cast of Nickeldoeon’s new CG-animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to voice Raphael, with Jason Biggs (American Pie) as Leonardo, Greg Cipes (Teen Titans) as Michelangelo and Rob Paulsen (Planet …

LAS VEGAS: Nickelodeon has tapped JAKKS Pacific to serve as the master toy licensee in multiple territories for the animated girl-skewing brand Winx Club. JAKKS will manufacture, distribute and market a line of toys and other products for Winx Club, …

LONDON: Food Network UK has hired Sue Walton as the consultant head of commissioning and original content, while Kate Bradshaw has been tapped as consultant head of digital. Walton will be based in London, with responsibility for series development, identifying …

LONDON: Outlining her vision for BBC Worldwide’s global channels business, Jana Bennett has announced plans to expand the BBC Earth branded block into a full channel, while also confirming the launch of a localized feed of BBC HD in Latin America within …

LONDON: Ahead of its DISCOP outing, Passion Distribution has sold 400 hours of programming into Central and Eastern Europe. 100 Mile Challenge has been sold to Pro Plus in Slovenia, while Origo in Hungary opted for Underage & Having Sex, …