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

Production on season 11 (52 x 11 minutes) of Bob the Builder is currently underway in DHX’s Halifax studio, while the start-of-production date for the 13 x 10-minute third season of Fireman Sam has not yet been set. The companies also greenlit a 60-minute Fireman Sam special, set to debut in 2018.

DHS and Mattel initially inked a deal in late 2015 to fund, co-develop and coproduce multiplatform content based on four Mattel properties: 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.

In addition to the greenlights, the companies 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 movie, respectively. Pathe Live will begin screening the film April 29, 2017.

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.