HIT Inks Distribution, Co-Production Deal with Smartoonz

CANNES, April 10: HIT
Entertainment has entered into an international distribution and co-production
agreement with Smartoonz, a division of Zeppelin Animation.

The deal stipulates that
HIT will distribute three of its preschool television shows internationally.
HIT has acquired the distribution rights to Little Fables, an animated preschool series targeting 2- to
5-year-olds and will co-produce Monkey See, Monkey Do and Clay Play, both of which are slated for delivery in 2009. HIT has also secured
first option rights on all future properties from Smartoonz.

HIT has already scored its
first deal for Smartoonz’s content, with the Thai cable operator UBC purchasing
the first season of Little Fables.
The 26×5.5-minute series is slated for broadcast in August.

Little Fables is a 2-D and 3-D animated show that retells the
classics of Aesop and La Fontaine with animals. In each episode the animals
face a problem that all young children can relate to, such as “What if I am the
smallest kid on the block?” The animals work together to come up with options
to solve their problems in ways that convey positive messages that are easily
understood by young children around the world. Monkey See, Monkey Do is a live-action and 3-D animated show targeting
kids aged 2 to 6. The series features a monkey host that gets children wagging
their tails and flapping their wings to a jungle game. Clay Play is a stop-motion show targeting 1- to 3-year-olds
that aims to stimulate children’s imagination and creativity.

“We are delighted to be
working with Smartoonz, one of the most original young talents in the
industry,” said Alison Homewood, the executive VP of worldwide distribution for
HIT Entertainment. “This agreement reflects HIT’s acquisitive strategy and
strength as a leading global distributor of preschool shows as we will continue
to grow and complement our portfolio and distribution around the world.”

Yuval Levy, the CEO of
Smartoonz, added, “This collaboration with HIT Entertainment, a key player in
children’s programming today, promotes our vision of becoming a leading
international content company for children. We feel honored to have this great
opportunity and we thank HIT for believing in us. Smartoonz will continue to
develop and produce innovating and unique shows in different animation
techniques.”

—By Ned Berke