Joanna Padovano Tong

BEVERLY HILLS: Genius Brands International has inked new content license deals for the distribution of the music-themed animated digital series SpacePOP in China and the U.K.

ATLANTA: Cartoon Network has revealed some of its highlights for the 2017-18 season, including six new series, seven returning shows and multiple original mobile and console games.

BURBANK: The fourth installment of Disney Junior's hit animated series Sofia the First, produced by Disney Television Animation, is due to debut next month.

LONDON: Chris Rose, commissioning editor for children's television at ABC in Australia, has been hired by the recently launched Beano Studios in the U.K. as director of development and production.

CANNES: Mattel Creations has appointed ProjectFirst in Russia and Little Dot Studios in France to oversee AVOD platforms and increase channel subscribers for Barbie, Hot Wheels and Monster High, as well as to develop new digital channels for Thomas & Friends.

LONDON: Platinum Films (Matt Hatter Chronicles) has teamed up with Bear Grylls Ventures for the new animated series Young Bear Grylls, based on the adventures of the titular survival expert during his youth.

LONDON: Rainbow's new live-action series Maggie & Bianca Fashion Friends is slated to begin airing on Disney Channel in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

HOLLYWOOD: The Jim Henson Company has inked new broadcast deals around the globe for the animated preschool series Dot. and Splash and Bubbles.

PARIS: Millimages has picked up the global distribution rights for Kemy Expedition from G&G Entertainment Korea.

MUNICH: Studio 100 Media has inked a deal with AMC Networks International—Central Europe (AMCNI CE) that sees Nils Holgersson and The Wild Adventures of Blinky Bill airing on Minimax in Eastern Europe.