Hit Entertainment launches Hit Movies

Hit Entertainment has launched a new division, Hit Movies, which will be headed by Julia Pistor who scripted the success of Paramount’s hit “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Rugrats”.

“I am delighted to help launch new family movie franchises, based off of Hit’s characters and worlds,” said Pistor. “At the heart of all of Hit’s properties is rich storytelling, and in the case of Thomas, Angelina and Rainbow Magic, a robust publishing history.

This new division aims to make family oriented movies out of its library of children proerties. This new venture is also hints at Hit’s expansion of its well known properties like Thomas and Friends, Barney, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina and Rainbow Magic across various platforms of entertainment.

Talkin about expansion Pistor said,”Using this storytelling tradition, mixed with the positive values and timeless lessons that each character stands for, Hit Movies will expand the essence of these properties and build on their long-term franchises.”

Hit has also signed with leading Beverly Hills-based talent and literary agency United Talent Agency. UTA will assist in establishing new brand extensions and corporate partnerships for Hit properties.

Jeremy Zimmer, co founder and board member of UTA, added: “We believe that Hit Movies, under Jeff and Julia’s leadership, is poised to be a major force in the growing family film genre.”

“Having the kind of brand equity they have in the world we’re in is extremely valuable. They have characteristics that help them go well beyond the preschool space.”  Jeremy Zimmer further added.

Hit was taken over by Apaz Partners in 2005 for $1 billion.It had total consumer products revenue, including homevid, of $2 billion in 2008. Now the first movie is ‘Thomas’ scheduled for 2010 release.