Apple has struck a deal with DHX Media of Halifax to produce new Peanuts content.
DHX, a global children’s content and brands company, will develop and produce original programs for Apple including new series, specials and shorts based on the beloved Peanuts characters — Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and others.
DHX will produce original short-form STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) content that will be exclusive to Apple, including astronaut Snoopy.
Peanuts Worldwide and NASA recently signed a Space Act Agreement, designed to inspire a passion for space exploration and STEM among the next generation of students, the Associated Press reported.
Meanwhile, DHX Media announced on Wednesday that it has struck 10 new distribution deals for the hit family series, The Deep, bringing the total number of broadcasters and streaming platforms for the CGI-animated underwater adventure series to 40 globally.
New deals for season three of The Deep, which was commissioned by ABC Australia earlier this year, have been reached with CBBC (U.K.), Super RTL (Germany), VRT (Belgium), NRK (Norway), KidsZone (Baltic countries), S4C (U.K. and Wales), SVT (Sweden), and TVP (Poland), in addition to previously announced deals with Netflix (worldwide) and Family CHRGD (Canada).
DHX Media has also signed two new distribution deals for seasons one and two of The Deep, with France Televisions (France) and RTP (Portugal). Seasons one and two of The Deep air in 190 countries, according to Nova Scotia based DHX.
The news follows a 2018 British Academy of Film and Television Arts nomination for best International Animation for season two of The Deep, co-produced by DHX Media and A Stark Productions.
“From the moment it premiered, The Deep has resonated with kids and families for its wonderful animation and strong storytelling,” said Jerry Diaz, DHX vice-president distribution said in a company news release.
“The series continues to generate strong sales into markets around the world, and the talented creative team behind The Deep have done an amazing job on season three, delivering a great new set of adventures for broadcasters and streaming platforms to share with audiences."
The Deep follows the adventures of the Nekton family — a brilliant team of underwater explorers. With state-of-the-art technology and an unquenchable thirst for discovery.
The Deep is a co-production between Australia-based A Stark Production, which is responsible for scripts, design and music and DHX produces the animation, voices and post-production. Distribution is also handled by DHX Media.
Technicolor, underlying rights holder to The Deep, has oversight of the brand’s licensing extensions, with licensing agencies CPLG, a DHX Media subsidiary, serving as the multi-territory licensing agent for the brand, including North America, Europe (excluding Germany) and Latin America.
