Sara Alessi

PARIS: German public-service broadcaster ZDF has signed on to air Gaumont Television’s animated series Belle and Sebastian.

HALIFAX: Disney Channel is on board to air DHX Media’s original drama Backstage across its feeds in Europe, the Middle East, the Asia Pacific, Africa and the U.S.

MADRID: Ánima Kitchent and Televisa 
are teaming up to co-produce the animated series Cleo and Cuquín, bringing the Spanish children’s brand Telerín Family back to television 50 years after its premiere.

BURBANK: Grammy Award-winning recording artist and satirist Al Yankovic (Weird Al) is on board to voice the title character in Disney XD’s animated comedy series Milo Murphy's Law.

NEW YORK: FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment has secured several free-to-air deals for the updated version of its animated series Danger Mouse in Europe, the Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

NEW YORK: NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment's 24-hour preschool network Sprout has set a September premiere for a new original animated series titled Dot.

LOS ANGELES: Splash Entertainment's U.S. kids’ VOD TV network Kabillion has partnered with video technology and distribution company Future Today to roll out a new Roku app.

HÖHENKIRCHEN/MUNICH: m4e has placed the CGI-animated preschool series Wissper with additional broadcasters across Europe.

LONDON: Mattel and HIT Entertainment’s Thomas & Friends special Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure is due to be released in 5,000 theaters in China this month, marking a first for the company.

HOLLYWOOD: Wind Dancer Films has tapped Licensing Street as the U.S. licensing and retail development agent for Ready Jet Go!, its new space exploration-themed animated series.