Hit sides with Smartoonz

Pair sign production, distribution pact

By ALI JAAFAR

Tyke fare producer and rights owner Hit Entertainment has inked a distribution and co-production deal with Smartoonz to distribute and sell three of its preschool skeins.

Hit will distribute “Little Fables” and co-produce “Monkey See, Monkey Do” and “Clay Play.” Both are skedded for delivery in 2009.

Hit has also acquired first-option rights on all future Smartoonz properties. Smartoonz is a division of Zeppelin Animation, which specializes in entertainment for young children. Hit sold “Little Fables” to Thai cable operator UBC for broadcast in August this year.