DHX Media and Mattel Creations have greenlit production on new episodes of Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam.

Production on Bob the Builder’s 11th season, comprised of 52 x 11-minute episodes, is currently underway at DHX’s Halifax studio. The production date for the 13 x 10-minute third season of Fireman Sam has not yet been set.

The companies have also greenlit a 60-minute Fireman Sam special, set to debut in 2018.

DHX and Mattel’s content creation division initially inked a deal in late 2015 to fund, co-develop and co-produce multiplatform content based on Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Little People and Polly Pocket. DHX Distribution is handling global sales for both the newly produced content and the Mattel-owned library content.

On top of the new greenlights, the companies have announced a raft of international distribution deals for both Bob the Builder and Fireman Sam.

Bob the Builder: Mega Machines – The Movie was picked up by French national TV broadcaster France Télévisions. The special was also acquired for theatrical release in France and Germany, with Pathe Live and X-Verleih Theatrical picking up the movie, respectively. Pathe Live will begin screening the film in April.

In addition, Pathe Live will release the CG-animated 60-minute special Fireman Sam: Alien Alert in 180 cinemas beginning February 2017. The 10th season of the show was also acquired by Spain’s Clan TV and French TV net France 5.

From Playback.