Nelvana picks up Nick toons

Canada's Nelvana has acquired international distribution rights for two properties from Nickelodeon in the US. In addition, the two have signed a deal to co-produce a new animated series.

The agreement between the toon companies will see Nelvana pick up two hit Nick series for worldwide distribution: Taina's World, and The Fairly Odd Parents.

Taina's World, created by Maria Perez-Brown, is a live-action series featuring Taina Morales as a New York City lime-light-loving student at the Manhattan School for the Arts.

The Fairly Odd Parents, created by Butch Hartman, is Nick's newest animated hit, having generated the second-highest ratings of any show to premiere on the youth service. It follows the exploits of Timmy Turner, a 10-year-old boy with a couple of magical, mystical and completely messed-up Fairy Godparents.

Nickelodeon has also signed on to renew Nelvana's Maggie & The Ferocious Beast and John Callahan's Pelswick, which are currently airing in the US.

In addition, Nelvana and Nickelodeon have committed to co-producing at least one new animated series.