Nashville-based production, distribution and licensing companyAmity Entertainment has picked up North American rights to the Little Hippoanimation feature and series.

The acquisition includes a 90-minute feature and 52 15-minutetelevision episodes.

Belgium-based Neuroplanet produced the 2001 feature, which wasdirected by Bernard Deyries and has been released theatrically in France andGermany.

The television series has already been broadcast in more than 60countries including the UK and South Africa.

Christine Chagroux' children's book targets children aged two tosix and centres on the exploits of a young hippopotamus.

Amity's catalogue includes The Big Comfy Couch, the Ernest series of comedy features starring JimVarney, other pre-school properties, and more than 120 feature films includingseveral dozen martial arts titles.