American SVOD nets bag Tree Fu, new Willows

SVOD service Hulu has acquired exclusive local rights to BBC preschool toon Tree Fu Tom, while Turner’s upcoming OTT net has bought the new Wind in the Willows.

The Hulu deal comprises all three seasons of the show, which comes from FremantleMedia Kids & Family, BBC kids channel CBeebies and Blue Zoo Animation.

They will all be made available exclusively in the US on Hulu following a deal with Fremantle.

Tree Fu Tom is a result of the multi-series production pact FremantleMedia’s kids arm struck with the BBC back in 2013. It is set in a tree top world where movement creates magic and turns the titular Tom into a superhero.

Meanwhile, the Turner deal sees the new Boomerang-branded SVOD service buying a new Wind in the Willows animated series from UK-based Hoho Rights.

Boomerang has taken US domestic rights to the 52x11mins series, which comes from veteran UK producer Martin Gates.

Boomerang launched as an OTT service in April, offering children’s a library of Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes programmes such as Scooby-Doo, Tom & Jerry and Bugs Bunny.

“As home to the world’s greatest collection of animation, we are proud to add Wind in the Willows to Boomerang’s original programming offering,” said Sundance Feniger, VP and general manager of Boomerang. “We know this next chapter in the adventures of Mole, Rat and Toad will resonate with and delight fans of all ages.”