Big Idea Inc. has signed a new five-year deal with theme park and attraction company Herschend Family Entertainment to develop additional entertainment attractions based on VeggieTales characters.

Atlanta-based HFE operates or has partnerships at 18 properties in seven states, including the Silver Dollar City theme park, White Water water park and Celebration City in Branson, Mo. It also is an operating partner with Dolly Parton's Dollywood Co.,, which owns the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Through its past relationship with HFE, Franklin-based Big Idea's VeggieTales brand has an established presence at Dollywood. VeggieTales LIVE is one of the featured shows during the park's KidsFest celebration. In addition, the park includes the VeggieTales Sideshow Spin kids' coaster.

Terms of the deal with HFE were not disclosed.

"The family-oriented values and virtues shared by both HFE and Big Idea make it possible for us to combine our creative efforts to produce even more wholesome entertainment with a positive message for our guests at each of our parks," said Joel Manby, chief executive officer of HFE, in a release.