BBC acquires UK broadcasting rights to Jungle Book

DQ Entertainment International ("DQE")

BBC acquires UK broadcasting rights to Jungle Book

DQE, the animation, gaming, live action entertainment production and distribution company, is pleased to announce the acquisition of The Jungle Book 52x11', 3D-HD TV series by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Channel for all broadcasting rights in the United Kingdom.

The Jungle book is co-produced with ZDF TV and ZDF Enterprise of Germany, TF1 TV - France and MoonScoop - France, to be delivered by end of 2010 and carries a production budget of Euro 9.2 million (INR 60 crore). The agreement with the BBC of this high-end TV series is strategically very important for DQE Group for multiple revenue streams of licensing in the UK.

This almost -feature quality TV series written in the United Kingdom and France will bring an all new action adventure comedy suitable for 21st century kids. Originally written by Rudyard Kipling, this will feature the lovable characters - The wise Baloo, Mowgli - the man cub and his best friend - Bhageera the panther and the mighty Shere khan on the prowl once again in the central Indian jungles of Seonee. Sherkhans repeated attempts to get the man-cub are foiled by Mowgli with his wit and intelligence and knowledge of jungle craft learnt from baloo, which keeps him one step ahead of Shere Khan at all times. The all new 30 feet rock python - Kaa - will appear to delight and scare the viewers.

After many marquee broadcasters like ZDF, TF1, Disney, Al Jazeera and ABC - Australia, BBC's acquisition is a delightful development for this global phenomenon.

Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQE Group said,

"We are thrilled that Mowgli and all these much loved characters will be returning to UK screens in the near future.

Considerable time and effort has been given to produce an animation series worthy of the rich heritage the Jungle Book represents. The BBC's UK involvement is yet another endorsement of the mass market appeal our pro-production generates."

Steven Andrew, Head of CBBC Drama and Acquisitions said,

The jungle book is going to be a brilliant adventure for 5-8 year olds. The world of the jungle is looking glorious in the series and will reintroduce this brand to a generation who might not know of this fabulous story.

Media Contact

DESCRIPTION:

The series tell stories of the man-cub 'Mowgli' raised in the Indian jungles by a pack of wolves. Drama, excitement and adventure mixed with a high element of comedy tell tales of how Mowgli lives and survives in the jungle, where his only companions are animals. His adventures reflect his daredevil, fearless, high-spirited and fun-loving escapades. He is helped by Baloo the wise bear, his best friend Bagheera the black panther and (sometimes!) mighty Kaa, the rock python. Mowgli learns to overcome adversity and make progress in his life by using his quick wit and natural curiosity, with his constantly optimistic outlook on life. This is very challenging for the little man-cub with a evil enemy like Shere Khan, the royal Bengal tiger.

Mowgli's adventures open out in the lush tropical forest of Seeonee amidst splendid Indian royal forts, temples, waterfalls and the Waingunga River. Throughout the series other characters from the Kipling stories add flavor to the drama, comedy and action, bringing out excellent animation and quality storytelling.

Trailer available for viewing : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5pDCplIPp4

About DQE

DQE is one of the leading producers of animation, visual effects, game art and live action entertainment content for the global media and entertainment industry. With a workforce of approx 3500 permanent employees and a global client - partner base of over 90 producers, distributors, broadcasters and licensors including Walt Disney Television Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studios Inc., Electronic Arts, Marvel Comics, American Greetings, NBC-Universal, BBC Group, M6/ France TV Group / TF-1 - leading broadcasting and Distribution groups from France, ZDF TV and ZDF Enterprises - leading broadcaster and global distributor from Germany, ABC Australia, Al Jazeera - Arabic nations, Disney Channels - Asia, Cartoon Network Group and many more world-wide.

DQE has produced/co-produced and distributed iconic brands such as Iron Man - the first 3D animated TV series, Twisted Whiskers, Mikido, Casper, Pinky & Perky, second season of Large Family, third season of Mickey Mouse Club House, First and Second Season of Madagascar TV Series and now in Second Season and Fanboy for Nickelodeon, USA and is now co-producing properties like Little Prince and Little Nick with major international broadcasters and producers. DQE has a library of over 350 hours of international programs for distribution and licensing globally for TV, home entertainment, merchandising and publishing is on fast track.

DQE's 100% home grown production in Hi-end 3D, 'The Jungle Book' is in production as a 52 episode animated series and a 60 minute TV feature in co-production with international majors including TF1 and Moonscoop , France, ZDF Group, Germany and is to be released world-wide in 2010. Toomai-The Elephant Boy which is a live action TV series is in development in co-operation with international broadcasters, while several Indian IPs like Mysteries & Feluda, Omkar, Balkand I, II and III with International Broadcasters have had a successful run.

DQE has also announced the development of a series of animated short films for television in collaboration with French production companies Method Animation and MK2. DQE, Method Animation and MK2 announced the production and worldwide distribution and exploitation of an animated version of 104 six-minute episodes inspired by the legendary film icon Charlie Chaplin's Hollywood films. The first series will be developed in colour creating a timeless atmosphere and a unique look, blending early 20th century with present time, allowing for younger generations to identify with the Charlie Chaplin character.

DQE has received recognition and awards at several national and international forums fostering creativity and excellence. Some of the recent recognitions have been at the Ernst & Young, Entrepreneur of the Year - 2009 India Awards, The UK Broadcast Awards 2010, Sichuan TV Festival International "Gold Panda" Awards, The Emmy Award, administered by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for Tutenstein TV series co-produced by DQE and several others.

DQE's production facilities are based in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kolkata and it has international sales representatives in Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo.