Thomas and co. will soon be getting the big screen treatment, as HIT Entertainment launches HIT Movies, a new division that will translate its library of family-friendly evergreen kids properties and new content to the big screen.

To head up the L.A. division’s operations, president and CEO Jeff Dunn has tapped Julia Pistor, who comes to HIT from Nickelodeon as EVP of movies, where she honed her skills in the field by developing and producing 16 films that grossed more than US$1.5 billion combined in worldwide box office sales. The two have worked together under Dunn’s previous remit at Nick, where he served as president of film and enterprises.

In a first-time move for the prodco, HIT has also partnered with a major Hollywood talent agency. Beverly Hills, California-based talent and literary agency United Talent Agency is on board to help the division expand new film, TV and digital entertainment opps and establish new brand extensions and corporate partnerships.