'Gnomeo' shop Arc nabs 'Thomas' series

Arc Productions, the visual effects and animation studio behind "Gnomeo and Juliet," has signed on as animation studio for Hit Entertainment's CG-animated kid television series "Thomas & Buddies," marking the toon shop's first global TV serial. "Thomas & Buddies" presently airs in 185 marketplaces, with 16 series created for that brand to date. "We're proud to become entrusted using the stellar assignment of animating the highly regarded as and far loved 'Thomas & Friends' TV series," stated Arc COO Shaun Youthful. "You will find effective brands, along with a handful come to be franchises. Then you've individuals precious couple of that rise to legendary stature." Toronto-based Arc will give you animation for those 11-minute instances of the approaching series, in addition to a one-hour "Thomas & Buddies" special feature. The brand new episodes are going to air Fall 2013. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com