New series include “Adventure Time” (debuted April 5), “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien” (debuts on Friday), “Generator Rex” (debuts on Friday), “Unnatural History” (to debut June 13), “Tower Prep,” “Sym-Bionic Titan,” “MAD,” “Regular Show,” “Robotomy,” “Secret Mountain Fort Awesome,” “The Looney Tunes Show,” “Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated,” “Young Justice,” “Run It Back Sunday,” “Total Drama World Tour,” “Metajets,” “Beyblade: Metal Fusion” and “The Amazing Spiez.”

In addition, Cartoon Network will launch its first broadcast awards show, called “Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game.” The event show, slated for early 2011, will let viewers decide their favorites in the world of sports. It will be produced by IMG Media with Sports Illustrated as promotional partner. The network also plans to air the following new movies and special events “Firebreather,” “Scooby Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster,” “KROG,” “Lords of Bad Axe,” “My Dad’s a Pro” and “Totally Spies! The Movie.”

“We’re expanding beyond the boundaries of traditional kids’ content,” says Rob Sorcher, chief content officer for Cartoon Network. “This new programming lineup brings event-quality entertainment to our prime time.”

Meanwhile, returning series will include “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Dude, What Would Happen,” “Destroy Build Destroy,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Battle Force 5,” “Johnny Test,” “Flapjack,” “6Teen,” “Stoked,” “Bakugan,” “Pokémon,” “Pink Panther & Pals” and “Totally Spies.”

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“We are delighted to conclude these negotiations with our lending group
and are grateful for their support,” says Jeffrey Dunn, president and
chief executive officer of HIT. “This allows us to focus on what we do best—making great entertainment for kids.”

The entertainment company reports revenues have increased to $249.2 million from $238.4 million in the 12 months to July 31, 2009.

In March, HIT reached an agreement with lenders to waive a scheduled covenant test on its $579 million debt. HIT and lenders had reached a “forbearance agreement,” which waives testing of the entertainment company’s financial covenants.
HIT Entertainment is owned by private equity firm Apax Partners.

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Atlantyca’s key properties include “Geronimo Stilton” (co-produced with Moonscoop), “Tea Sisters” and “Century.” Separately, “Geronimo Stilton” is nominated for a Pulcinella award in the TV series for kids category. Atlantyca’s licensing division handles the international rights to “Geronimo Stilton,” as well as the Italian rights to Moonscoop’s “Code Lyoko,” “Dive Olly Dive” and “Hero 108.”

“We are truly honored to be recognized for our work by such a prestigious accolade from Cartoons on the Bay,” says Caterina Vacchi, senior manager and executive producer of Atlantyca Entertainment. “We are extremely proud and dedicated to delivering only high-quality work for all of our animation properties reflecting the world famous ‘made in Italy’ creativity, across all media platforms and are privileged to have our work draw such special recognition by this prestigious jury.”

The 14th annual Cartoons on the Bay will be held through Sunday. The event is promoted by Rai and organized by Rai Trade in association with Rai Fiction.

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The three-year deal sees the production of layettes, blankets, bibs, body suits, tanks, socks, tights, leggings, slipper socks and booties. The line will launch this fall at retail. The deal was brokered by the Joester Loria Group on behalf of Baby Genius.

Marathon’s and OUAT’s beta version of Totally Spies! Fashion Agents will launch on April 20 in both French and English on Facebook. For more information, visit www.fashionagents.com.

In other MipTV news, FremantleMedia Enterprises has announced two deals for Jamie Oliver’s programming catalog. Fox Latin America, the South American Pan-regional broadcaster, has taken seven Jamie Oliver titles, re-introducing him to South American audiences for the first time in almost a decade. Danish public broadcaster, Danish Broadcasting Corporation, the largest broadcaster in Denmark, has signed a three–year output deal with FME for nearly 20 shows from the Brit chef. FME has represented Jamie Oliver programming internationally since 2002. Oliver’s programs are broadcast in more than 140 countries and translated into more than 30 languages.

Also at MipTV, FME debuted its new prime-time game show, “Push the Button,” the Gallowgate format, which was the U.K.’s highest-rated new entertainment launch this year on ITV1. “Push the Button” pits two families against each other in a series of challenges.

HIT Entertainment highlighted new series, “Monkey See Monkey Do,” yesterday and signed seven broadcast deals for the property. “Monkey See Monkey Do” is a high-energy kids’ series combining CG-animation with live-action children produced by Smartoonz. The 26×7 show was sold to France 5 (France); TVA, TVO and Knowledge (all Canada); Al-Jazeera Kids (the Middle East); Minimax (Eastern Europe); and Disney Latam (Latin America). A deal with a U.S. broadcaster is also imminent.

Studio Liddell, a Manchester, U.K.-based independent creative agency, partnered with Fun Crew and is showcasing new property, “Spooky Skaters” at MipTV. “Spooky Skaters” is based on an original idea from Angela Salt and Stuart Harrison a.k.a. Fun Crew, originally drawn as 2-D cartoons and featured in D.C. Thomson’s Dandy Xtreme magazine, as well as the subject of two children’s books. Studio Liddell is expanding the 3-D animation for TV, online and gaming platforms, targeting kids ages 6 to 11. The company is also the official iPhone and Nintendo Wii developer for the property. Studio Liddell is seeking broadcasters interested in the series for TV and/or multiplatform, as well as a distributer for an international audience.

Demand Media and Discovery Enterprises International signed a three-year DVD output agreement for the U.K. and Ireland. The deal covers both DVD and Blu-ray releases of new Discovery Networks’ programming, as well as strong continuing series that already exist within the Demand Media stable. New releases will come under channel brands that include Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Quest and Discovery Shed.

ABC Commercial (Australia and New Zealand) has secured multi-platform rights to ActiveTV’s and Apartment 11 Productions’ “Prank Patrol.” The kids’ reality series has granted ABC Commercial its home entertainment, merchandise, mobile and online content, transport/hotel and live event rights. The first DVD will release next month.

BBC Worldwide’s “3rd & Bird!” has been sold to the U.S.’ Disney Channel to premiere in the country in early 2011. Disney has acquired all 50×10 episodes, as well as one double episode and a 20-minute holiday special. Meanwhile, yesterday’s ZingZillas performance celebrated the launch of the live-action preschool TV series to international buyers. The 55×22 show recently debuted on CBeebies in the U.K.

MTV Networks International has signed agreements with multiple international broadcast partners across Asia-Pacific, Europe and Latin America for “The Penguins of Madagascar,” from Nickelodeon and DreamWorks Animation. Recently launched for international syndication, “The Penguins of Madagascar” is based on the penguins from DreamWorks Animation’s hit feature films, Madagascar and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. More than 40 program sales deals have been closed in all major markets, including China (SMG Best TV), Brazil (Globosat), France (TF1), Italy (Mediaset), Hong Kong (TVB), Mexico (Televisa), the Middle East (E-Vizion), New Zealand (TVNZ), Portugal (SIC), Russia (TNT), Spain (TV3 Catalunya) and the U.K. (GMTV).

Classic Media has acquired worldwide TV and home entertainment distribution rights, excluding the Middle East, for the new preschool series “Nan & Lili,” 200×3, from Firdaus Kharas of Chocolate Moose Media for Al Jazeera Children’s Channel. “Nan & Lili” is the first Arabic animated preschool series. It has been created for a global audience of preschool boys and girls and is designed to engage young viewers in a playful way while educating and empowering them through a world of exploration and discovery. The 200×3-minute episodes are currently available in three languages—Arabic, English and French—with a further 100 episodes in development for delivery later this year.

HIT Entertainment has signed a number of video on-demand deals worldwide, including “Thomas & Friends,” “Bob the Builder,” “Angelina Ballerina,” “Fireman Sam,” “Pingu” and “Barney” in countries such as the U.K. (BT Vision), Italy (Fastweb), Turkey (TTNET), Malaysia (TMNET), Hong Kong (PCCW Limited under NOW TV), Korea, Taiwan (Mighty
Media) and Japan.

FremantleMedia is showcasing a number of new properties at MipTV this week, including “Push the Button,” “Give Us a Clue,” “Celebrity Quiz Night,” “Look Who’s Cooking,” “Young Professionals of the Year,” “My Name is Michael,” “She’s Got the Look,” “Grow Up!” and “Who Does What.” In addition, FremantleMedia has expanded its format sales relationship with Fuji Television Network to co-develop and co-produce new TV formats for the international market.

Discovery Communications, which is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Discovery Channel, is re-introducing a variety of key titles under the umbrella Discovery Classics. They are “Decisions that Shook the World,” “Science of the Impossible,” “Air Safety: Learning from Tragedy” and “Curse of Tutankhamun.”

Aardman Rights has announced pre-sales for its new family series “Wallace & Gromit Present A World of Invention.” The 6×30 inventions-inspired show, fronted and presented by Wallace and Gromit, has been acquired by DR Denmark, YLE Finland, Thai PBS and ABC Australia. Aardman Rights is presenting the series, commissioned by BBC One with broadcast scheduled for late 2010, to international buyers at MipTV, where it will be looking to secure further broadcast deals.

Rainbow’s “PopPixie” has signed air deals with France’s Teletoon, Portugal’s TV1 and Canal Panda and Greece’s Alter TV. The series also recently partnered with Italy’s Rai, France Television, South Africa’s KTV and Israel’s Noga.

Meanwhile at the Mip Formats conference, MTVNI has secured deals to adapt and localize a number of its reality series for Australia, France, Italy and Spain. The signings include “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila” for France’s Banijay Entertainment, “Room Raiders” for Spain’s Antena Neox and Lithuania’s LNK, “The Joe Schmo Show” for Italy’s Mediaset, “Hell Date” for Australia’s Victory Hill Entertainment and “From Gs to Gents” for Australia’s Screentime. At MipTV, MTVNI will be showcasing “Pay It Off,” “Disaster Date,” “Room Raiders” and “Punk’d.”

Cake Entertainment and Australia’s ABC Television signed a 80-hour kids’ programming deal, including “Stoked” seasons 1 and 2, “Total Drama Action,” “Total Drama World Tour,” “King Arthur’s Disasters” and “Edgar & Ellen.”
Twofour54 sold its CGI-animated and live-action series “Driver Dan’s Story Train” to Australia’s ABC Television. The show currently airs on CBeebies in the U.K.

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Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Paradox is seeking merchandise partners in all categories. The agent also handles the stories and character rights to author Robert E. Howard’s Conan Kull, Bran Mak Morn and Solomon Kane.

“Even before it premiered in January, ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’ generated passionate viewer reaction, with our audience responding to the series’ compelling story, strong characters and distinctive look and feel,” says Ferrell McDonald, Starz Entertainment’s senior vice president of marketing. “The ratings have been very strong to date and there is fan interest to match. We want to reward their interest with a range of products that please the fans and support the brand.”

“Spartacus: Blood and Sand,” produced by Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen and Steven S. DeKnight, premiered on Starz on Jan. 22. The series was recently renewed for a second season.

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According to published reports, Wigzell (“Unnatural History,” “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien”) will lead development of the cable network’s animated and live-action programs in the adventure genre, while Weidenfeld (“The Boondocks,” “Moral Orel”) will handle animated and live-action content.

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Wow! Stuff has been tapped to produce a line of adult gift items for the new season, which premieres this Saturday and features the eleventh doctor, played by Matt Smith. The range for fall 2010 will include clocks, watches, desktop accessories and salt and pepper shakers.

Current licensees will also launch new lines such as master toy partner Character Options (fall/winter 2010), as well as Christy’s for dress-up (summer), Bon Bon for seasonal confectionery, Royal Mint for commemorative medals, Pyramid for posters and Ravensburger for jigsaw puzzles.

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Gers will be responsible for Endemol Group’s digital activities, following the integration of digital into the company’s core commercial business. Joerg Bachmaier, former senior vice president of digital media business development at Endemol USA, has been named senior vice president/general manager, focusing on the Americas. More hires will follow in the coming months.
In addition to licensing and merchandising, the new Endemol division will also collaborate with Endemol’s operating companies worldwide to leverage the group’s branded entertainment.

“The launch of Endemol Worldwide Brands represents another significant step forward in our ongoing strategy for growth; one which we believe will add considerable value to our IP,” says Tom Toumazis, whom Gers will be reporting to in the London office. “Olivier has a proven track record in the media industry as an innovator with extensive strategic and operational experience. His expertise in brand enhancement through digital media, original content creation and commercial extensions makes him ideally suited to lead this new worldwide venture.”

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“Everything’s Rosie,” geared to kids ages 3 to 6, follows a girl named Rosie and her friends Raggles the blue rabbit, Bluebird, Big Bear, Oakley the oak tree and others. V&S Entertainment holds all licensing rights to the series and product negotiations are currently under way, including publishing.

“The vibrant color palette, eye-catching locations and endearing characters in ‘Everything’s Rosie’ have been designed and styled to capture the imagination of our preschool audience,” says Vickie Corner, chief executive officer of V&S Entertainment. “We look forward to the next exciting stage in the growth of this property and to developing ‘Rosie’ into a saleable merchandising commodity.”

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As agent, Brandgenuity is seeking partners in apparel and accessories, social expression, home décor, housewares, health and beauty aids, gifts, collectibles, interactive and games. “The Phantom of the Opera” will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on Broadway in 2013.

“‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is a Broadway classic and an evergreen brand,” says Adina Avery-Grossman, managing director at Brandgenuity. “Its iconic look and unforgettable music have made it a part of pop culture here in the U.S. and around the world. We are confident that we will be able to create products and experiences that capture the romantic yet haunting spirit of the property and that feed the passion of fans everywhere.”

Brandgenuity’s other clients include MGM Studios, Food Network, World Poker Tour, Cadbury Adams, Church & Dwight and Pabst Brewing Company.

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In the deal, Scholastic now holds all storybook and novelty rights for the series’ children’s book program. The publisher is planning a number of formats, including paperbacks, board books, novelty and readers—all targeted to kids ages 2 to 6. A January 2011 launch will include five titles (paperback, reader, sticker storybook, oversized board book with flaps and die-cut shaped board book), followed by another paperback and reader in April 2011.

“Teaming with Scholastic, who not only has a broad reach at retail, but also direct access to kids, teachers and parents through their unique distribution channels into schools, continues our tradition of working with the best partners around the world,” says Maureen Taxter, senior vice president of U.S. consumer products at Ludorum. “We have no doubt that, through their books, Scholastic will capture the beautiful graphics and great storytelling that makes Chuggington so special.”

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The toy range is slated for a 2011 rollout at mass retailers, as well as toy specialty, catalog, Internet and department stores. Each product will be packaged with information on the importance of child-driven play and ideas for parents and caregivers.

“Exploration through play is integral to children’s healthy development, allowing them to interact with the world, practice problem-solving skills and discover their interests and passions,” says Lesli Rotenberg, PBS’ senior vice president for children’s media. “PBS is dedicated to helping guide preschoolers through the milestones of early childhood, ensuring every child has an opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Parents have told us that they expect to find PBS wherever there is a learning opportunity for their children, and we are pleased to have found the right partners to extend our mission.”

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“This new agreement reflects our strategy to be the only multi-channel provider for movies,” says James W. Keyes, chairman and chief executive officer of Blockbuster. “We are excited to offer our customers the best home entertainment from Warner Bros., such as The Blind Side and Sherlock Holmes, with significantly greater availability in Blockbuster stores and through Blockbuster by mail, as well as digitally through Blockbuster on-demand. This agreement reinforces Blockbuster’s position as the most convenient source for new movies, and we are pleased to offer our customers the opportunity to get hot new movies as soon as they are released. This gives Blockbuster a full four-week lead before either kiosk or other subscription services can offer any Warner Bros. titles.”

The Blind Side hit Blockbuster stores yesterday, while Sherlock Holmes will be released on March 30.

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According to Variety, Avi Arad (Spider-Man) is producing and screenwriter Mike Jones is in talks to adapt. The last film adaptation was a live-action version in 1980 from Robert Altman. Robin Williams starred as Popeye and Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl.

In 1929, King Features launched the first “Popeye” comic strips. The property then transitioned into cartoons produced by Fleischer Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures. Popeye’s first licensing program included puzzles, dolls, games, books, banks, lamps and tin toys—many of which have become collectibles worldwide. One of the character’s biggest partnerships is with spinach; Allen Canning has distributed Popeye brand spinach since 1950.

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The latest licensees include:

• TV Mania, Collective Brands, Mlab Concepts and Aykroyds for apparel
• Simon & Schuster U.K., Egmont U.K. and Egmont VGS, Random House and Alligator Publishing for publishing
• Herding Heimtextil for bedding
• Trends International, Alpha U.K., Paperline Designs, Union-Transit Company for stationery
• Procos for party paperware
• Pyramid International for posters and badges
• Sandylion for accessories
• Rubies for dress-up
• Toyster for puzzles
• Vast Sky for backpacks

The film has already signed Spin Master as the master global toy partner for action figures, vehicles and role-play items; Paramount as global DVD partners; and THQ as global interactive games partner.

The Last Airbender hits theaters on July 2.

In MTV Networks International news, the following programming sales were made: “MTV Unplugged,” featuring Katy Perry, to Switzerland’s SF; Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Global Edition” to Iceland’s 375 Media; “The Hills” and “My Super Sweet 16” to Ireland’s TG4; “American Mall” and “Rocko’s Modern Life” to Denmark’s DR Ramasjang; “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “TDS Global Edition,” both one-year extensions, to French-speaking Africa’s Canal Plus Horizons; “The Troop,” “Double Dare,” “El Tigre,” “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender” to Georgia’s Teleimedi; “Mind of Mencia” (seasons 1 to 4), “Trigger Happy TV” (season 3) and “Dave Attell” to Sky Mexico; “Jackass” to Panama’s TVN; and “Rugrats,” a renewal, to Ecuador’s Ecuavisa.

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According to a Dow Jones Newswires’ report, a person familiar with the subject said HIT and lenders had reached a “forbearance agreement,” which waives testing of the entertainment company’s financial covenants. HIT had agreed to a step-down agreement with the banks in which it agreed over time to raise its profitability relative to the size of its debts, which stood at $470 million in July 2008. Earlier this week, the U.K.’s Telegraph reported that although HIT remains a profitable company, it has been unable to reduce its net debt/earnings ratio in line with the targets set by the banks in the agreement.

HIT Entertainment is owned by private equity firm Apax Partners. HIT had recently cut a fifth of its staff to try and improve its balance sheet position and has suffered from a drop in U.S. toy sales.

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The How to Train Your Dragon-branded areas feature a Viking ship and more than 100 products from companies such as Spin Master, Kraft, Kellogg’s and Pepsi. The Viking-themed merchandise includes foam swords and helmets, apparel, skateboards, hooded towels, sunglasses and snacks. Walmart has also developed a “How to Train Your Dragon” activity book, which will be available in Happy Meals at 1,000 McDonald’s location in stores.

“From the start of this program, we have worked toward the goal of changing the way movie fans connect to a great movie and families could bring the adventure home in products they love,” says Gary Severson, senior vice president of entertainment for Walmart U.S. “This is one of the largest footprints that we’ve ever created in our stores for a theatrical release, with exclusive merchandise that has been custom created for our customers.”

Meanwhile, Walmart and Dreamworks are docking a 40-foot Viking ship in the center of New York’s Time Square and with it a two-day movie event for fans, today and tomorrow, with a special appearance by actress America Ferrera, who voices the role of “Astrid.”

“We are thrilled to join forces with Walmart on a robust consumer experience that features such fun and engaging thematic tie-ins to How to Train Your Dragon,” says Anne Globe, head of worldwide marketing and consumer products for Dreamworks Animation. “Our innovative approach to this program with Walmart was inspired by the great creative elements of the film itself and we are so excited to extend the life of the movie beyond the theater for families to connect with Dreamworks Animation’s characters and worlds in new ways both in stores and online.”

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TCNE, which is currently seeking partners for CNN, has developed a product concept guide focusing on travel and business products for potential suitors such as travel guide publishers and luggage and travel accessories manufacturers.

“The CNN brand enjoys fantastic global recognition driven by a comprehensive broadcast platform and a strong online presence,” says Alan Fenwick, vice president of TCNE. “We look forward to developing the CNN licensing program and building relationships with licensees with the vision to create product that celebrates the values of this unique property.”

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In his new role, Copestake will manage marketing activities for Endemol’s worldwide entertainment formats, as well as consumer online presence and corporate branding. The company’s properties include “Big Brother,” “Deal or No Deal,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Star Academy” and “Wipeout.”

“Steve’s outstanding track record in brand communication and strategic marketing has seen him play a key role in the development and continued success of some of the world’s biggest TV franchises,” says Tom Toumazis, chief commercial officer of Endemol. “He is the ideal candidate to lead the marketing of Endemol’s global brands whilst offering a first-rate post sales service to our partners around the world. I am delighted that he is joining us.”

At Disney, Copestake led marketing for the company’s properties, including “Lost,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “High School Musical” and “Hannah Montana.” He has also worked at BSkyB and The Added Value Company.

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The agreement is expected to include a combination of previously unreleased songs and re-packaging of older songs, with the first album hitting shelves in November. The deal, which covers the “This Is It” soundtrack, was brokered by John Branca and John McClain, special administrators of the Michael Jackson estate. The Wall Street Journal reports the deal to be worth $250 million.

“Michael has always been a treasured member of the Sony Music family,” says Rob Stringer, chairman of the Columbia Epic Label Group. “We’re dedicated to protecting this icon’s legacy and we’re thrilled that we can continue to bring his music to the world for the foreseeable future.”

Bravado represents the Michael Jackson estate in licensing. In January, the agent signed Playmates Toys to launch a line of Jackson figures and dolls later this year.

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“Adding these best-in-class executives further strengthens our already solid management team at The Hub,” says Margaret Loesch, president and chief executive officer of The Hub. “Each of these leaders brings significant industry expertise and talent to help us build a world-class, family-friendly destination for children.”

The new staff additions are:

• Joshua Meyer as senior vice president of business and legal affairs, where he will oversee business affairs and legal matters including production and talent deals, acquisitions, licensing, marketing, promotions, sales, operations, new media, digital distribution, copyrights, clearances, corporate, regulatory and tax issues. He was co-general counsel and senior vice president of business and legal affairs for Cookie Jar Entertainment.
• Jordan Beck as vice president of creative services and on-air promotions, where he will provide strategic and creative direction on the production of on-air promotion and marketing projects. He was senior vice president of creative services at ReelzChannel.
• Lou Fazio as vice president of scheduling, acquisitions and planning, where he will identify, evaluate and source creative programming. He will also be responsible for strategic program planning and program scheduling for the network. Fazio was vice president of program strategy and acquisitions at the Game Show Network.
• Greg Heanue as vice president of marketing and promotions. He was vice president of consumer and ad sales marketing at The Weather Channel. Heanue also served as the senior director of marketing at Cartoon Network.
• Fred Poston as vice president of operations, where he will be responsible for the coordination, deployment and support of all operational processes and workflows used for the launch and ongoing operations for The Hub. He has served as an operations executive at various companies, including ReelzChannel, TV Guide, ABC Family and the WB Television Network.
• Michael Ross as vice president of production and post-production, where he will oversee the development and execution of production and post-production for The Hub’s programming. He was the head of production and executive producer for Baby Einstein and Disney Baby.

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