Hit races away with Roary, Fifi

Hit Entertainment has picked up distribution rights to Chapman Entertainment’s Fifi and the Flowertots and Roary The Racing Car for North America and Japan.

The deal comes 10 years after Hit forged its first alliance with Chapmen Entertainment founder Keith Chapman, who created the worldwide kids phenomenon Bob the Builder.

Hit will serve as the rights manager across broadcast, licensing and merchandising, publishing, home entertainment and strategic partnerships in North America and Japan for both properties.

Fifi and the Flowertots debuted in the UK two years ago and has since become a top-rated preschool series on terrestrial Five’s kids strand Milkshake! as well as on Nick Jr. It is now on air in more than 150 territories.

Roary The Racing Car, meanwhile, is Chapman Entertainment’s newest property, and like Fifi is produced at Cosgrove Hall Films in stop-frame animation and CGI. The series debuted on Milkshake! and Nick Jr just last month.

“Keith Chapman’s vision in creating global preschool brands is unparalleled and we see a tremendous opportunity for Chapman Entertainment’s newest properties,” said Hit CEO Bruce Steinberg.

“I am delighted that Chapman Entertainment has forged a new and exciting relationship with Hit and am confident that their skill and expertise will help turn Fifi and Roary into huge successes in the US, Canada and Japan,” added Chapman.