Several new kids' animation properties had a coming out party during last month's MipTV conference, while hundreds of attendees were stranded in Cannes due to the airport closings in Europe resulting from Iceland's volcanic ash.

Yet the challenges of travel didn't prevent attendees from getting to Cannes, as attendance increased 5 percent versus 2009 with 11,500 delegates from 107 countries, according to Reed Midem.

Newly formed Skechers Entertainment, a division of footwear company Skechers USA, debuted its first animated series for kids ages 6 to 11. Called "Zevo 3," 26x22, the program is scheduled to air this fall on Nicktoons in the U.S. The series follows three young teens, who gain super powers when exposed to a Zevo compound. A licensing program is in the works and master licensees will be named soon, according to Kristen Van Cott, co-executive producer and senior vice president of creative development for Skechers Entertainment. Moonscoop is handling international sales and distribution.

BBC Worldwide sponsored a coming out party and concert featuring its new preschool animated musical series (and band) "ZingZillas," comprised of 52x22 episodes, which premiered on CBeebies last month. In addition, "ZingZillas" recently signed eight new licensees, bringing its total to 14 licensees, including master toy licensee Vivid Imagination. Newly appointed licensees include Martin Yaffe (wheeled toys), Character World (bedding), DNC (lunchware), Samuel Eden (socks), Trademark Collections (bags and umbrellas), Bon Bon Buddies (seasonal confectionery), Danilo (greetings cards) and Worlds Apart (furniture).

DQ Entertainment and The Hive Enterprises announced a broadcast deal with Playhouse Disney for the new preschool series "The Hive," 26x21. The series will be aired on Playhouse Disney channels worldwide beginning in early 2011. It will premiere this autumn in the U.K. on GMTV's preschool "Fluffy Club" weekend block. "The Hive," which follows the adventures of a bee family, is being co-produced by The Hive Enterprises, DQ Entertainment, Lupus Films and Monumental Productions. The Disney deal covers regions including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Korea, Japan and India, as well as South East Asia, Latin America, Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Aardman Rights announced several deals for its new family series "Wallace & Gromit Present a World of Invention." The 6x30 series was acquired by DR Denmark, YLE Finland, Thai PBS and ABC Australia. "Wallace & Gromit" was already commissioned by BBC One, with broadcast scheduled for late 2010.

Atlantyca Entertainment and Moonscoop have partnered again to begin production on season 2 of "Geronimo Stilton." The new 26x30 episodes will be ready for broadcast in fall 2011. Season 1 of the animated series, based on the kids' chapter book series of the same name, debuted worldwide in September 2009.

Chorion named Marathon Media as its merchandising and licensing agent in France for The World of Eric Carle. Marathon will manage the brand and all French licensing opportunities based on the designs created by Carle, including "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

HIT Entertainment signed seven broadcast deals for its new series, "Monkey See Monkey Do." The high-energy kids' series (26x7) combines animation with live-action children produced by Smartoonz and was sold to France 5 (France); TVA, TVO and Knowledge (Canada); Al-Jazeera Kids (the Middle East); Minimax (Eastern Europe); and Disney Latam (Latin America).

Marathon Media and OUAT Entertainment announced plans to launch "Totally Spies! Fashion Agents," the first role-playing game on Facebook adapted from a TV series. The new game will leverage the widespread popularity of "Totally Spies!," which is broadcast in 120 countries and is now in its fifth season.

The National Wildlife Federation has launched its first preschool TV series, "Wild Animal Baby Explorers." It will air on public television stations throughout the U.S. in fall 2010, featuring 26 half-hour episodes produced by NWF and Xing Xing Digital Corp. It is based on the NWF's preschool magazine, Wild Animal Baby. NWF is the largest conservation organization in the U.S. with more than 4 million members and supporters.

Nelvana Enterprises had a strong showing at MipTV focused on its three Bs: "Babar and the Adventures of Badou," "Bakugan: Gundalian Invaders" and "Beyblade: Metal Fusion." "Babar and the Adventures of Badou" is being updated in this new CGI series (52x11) that introduces King Babar's adventurous grandson, Badou, as well as a cast of new characters. It is for kids ages 4 to 7.

The boys' action series, "Beyblade," is returning to the U.S. after experiencing global success in the early 2000s. Nelvana announced that the new series, "Beyblade: Metal Fusion," will premiere in the U.S. on Cartoon Network in June. The 51 new episodes from Nelvana and D-Rights offer a fresh take on the original series with new characters. Hasbro, which brought the original product line successfully to the U.S. and other regions, has been appointed master toy licensee for the new line in most international markets outside of Asia. The new toys are set to be on shelves this spring in Canada and this fall in the U.S. Nelvana will distribute the TV series internationally and will represent D-Rights in various countries, as licensing agent.

Nickelodeon and Belgium's Studio 100 have paired to produce a new version of their live-action series, "House of Anubis," to premiere this fall 2010 on Nickelodeon in the U.S., U.K. and Australia, with additional territories launching at the beginning of 2011. Originally made for Nickelodeon in Benelux, followed by a German version, the series follows eight students trying to solve a hidden mystery at an English boarding school while dealing with the highs and lows of their teenage years. The new version of the series, "House of Anubis" (working title), will serve Nick's global audiences and is being produced in the U.K. by Lime Pictures.

Rainbow announced several deals for "PopPixie" and previewed a new episode for the animated kids' comedy show (52x13). Rainbow announced deals in France (Teletoon), Portugal (TVI and Canal Panda) and Greece (Alter TV). It previously had announced deals for Italy (RAI), France (France Television), South Africa (KTV) and Israel (Noga). In addition to TV sales, Rainbow also signed key licensing deals: Bandai (master toy for Europe), Leomil (footwear in Europe and apparel for Iberia and Scandinavia), Carel (apparel for France) and Mirtillo (apparel for Italy). Rainbow also previewed its newest film, Winx Club 3D Magical Adventure, which will be launched in Italy for back-to-school 2010. The first Winx film The Secret of the Lost Kingdom grossed $8 million in Italy and was distributed in all major European markets.

Toei Animation is relaunching "Sailor Moon," a series for girls ages 4 to 12 that was popular in the 1990s. The series, which produced 200 episodes and was broadcast in 50 countries, will feature a completely updated cast of characters. It will be relaunched in Italy beginning in fall 2010 with Italia 1, and a licensing program is planned for the Christmas holiday.

Madrid-based Vodka Capital launched its new animated kids' musical series. The "Jelly Jamm" series (52x11) is now in full production and will be broadcast with RTVE in 2011. Vodka is also developing a licensing program for the series.

The preschool animated show "Pocoyo," co-produced by Zinkia and ITV Global Studios Entertainment, is headed to the U.S. Nick Jr signed a deal to air the show beginning this spring. "Pocoyo" already airs in more than 100 territories worldwide. A licensing program for toys with Bandai is planned for fall 2010.