Joanna Padovano Tong

LONDON: Rocket Licensing has lined up its first U.K. licensing partners for Sony Pictures Animation's upcoming feature film The Emoji Movie, which is based on the popular mobile phone icons.

LONDON: Jetpack Distribution has inked a global distribution deal with DreamEast Pictures for the 2D animated adventure comedy series Valt the Wonder Deer, which reimagines an ancient Chinese myth.

SUNRISE: Jazwares has entered into a partnership with USP Studios, securing the licensing rights for the company's original properties, including Baby Bao Panda, that are exclusively available on YouTube.

SYDNEY: Turner's Cartoon Network and Boomerang have become available this month on the Australian IPTV service Fetch TV.

LONDON: Hoho Entertainment has kicked off production on Shane the Chef, a new animated preschool show that is due to debut on Channel 5's Milkshake! in the fall.

BURBANK: Next month, Nickelodeon is due to debut Bunsen is a Beast, a new original animated series created and executive produced by Butch Hartman (The Fairly OddParents).

PARIS: Millimages has become the exclusive international distributor for the new papermotion show Paper Port, which has been licensed by a number of broadcasters around the world.

LONDON: Brooklyn-based educational kids' app developer Tinybop has received a minority investment from Sandbox Partners (SBX), which was founded by CEO and former Viacom exec Bhav Singh.

LONDON: Octonauts producer Silvergate Media has hired Jeff Farnath, a feature film and animation industry veteran, as the company's new chief financial officer.

BEVERLY HILLS: Genius Brands International has tied up with Spirit Halloween to launch a direct-to-retail licensing program for the music-themed tween property SpacePOP in North America.