Armoza Formats

Armoza Formats, part of ITV Studios, has unveiled a co-development deal with Chinese broadcaster Hunan TV. Under the agreement, the duo have launched Dance Smash, a local adaptation of Quebecor Content and Fair-Play’s dance show format Dance Revolution (pictured), which started airing in China this month. The Quebec format, which first aired in Canada on TVA, uses 360-degree video technology to dissect dancers’ moves as they compete for a $100,000 prize. In addition to this agreement, a Russian adaptation of the show has also been commissioned by Channel 1. Prior to this, Spanish prodco Globomedia picked up the local remake rights to Dance Revolution from Armoza.

Raven Banner Entertainment 

MPI Media Group has struck a deal with Raven Banner Entertainment for Juan Diego Escobar Alzate’s feature directorial debut LUZ: The Flower of Evil. Brokered by Raven Banner managing partner Michael Paszt with MPI VP international sales Nicola Goelzhaeuzer, MPI Media Group will distribute the fantasy-western in the U.S. MPI’s genre release and distribution label Dark Sky Films will handle international sales for the title at the American Film Market (AFM) next week. Meanwhile, Raven Banner will distribute LUZ: The Flower of Evil in Canada. Written and directed by Alzate, the film follows a community led by a preacher named El Señor and a child who is supposed to be the new messiah.

Nelvana

Corus Entertainment-owned prodco and distributor Nelvana has landed a number of new licensing partnerships for its preschool brand Max & Ruby. Cracker Barrel has signed for an exclusive retail launch of branded plush, sleepwear and apparel across its U.S. stores in the fall, while Aurora will be the brand’s master plush partner. Additional deals include apparel (Happy Threads and Picture This), sleepwear (Jellifish), publishing (Chouette) and party goods (Prime Party). Nelvana has also inked a deal with U.S. dairy and ice cream company Braums for a branded QSR program in 2020. This year marks the 40th publishing anniversary of Max & Ruby, with the deals serving as part of a consumer-facing campaign around its ruby anniversary.