3rd Mar 2009 07:00
|
Immediate Release |
3 March 2009 |
DQ Entertainment plc ("DQE") Announces Co-Production Deal
with global budget of €6.4 million
DQ Entertainment (DQE), the AIM listed animation, gaming and Entertainment Company is today pleased to announce a co-production deal with MoonScoop Group to produce "Tara Duncan" a 2D animated TV series. Production is due to commence by June 2009. The series will have a global production budget of €6.4 million with M6, France's second largest private broadcaster and Disney being the broadcast partners on this series.
This agreement marks the fourth deal between DQE and MoonScoop since announcing a strategic alliance in 2008. The alliance aims to capitalize on both parties individual business networks and production expertise and has to date produced animated TV series' including "Casper's Scare School", "The Fantastic Four", "ToddWorld" and "Twisted Whiskers".
Based on the best selling books by Sophie Audouin-Mamikonian, currently published in more than 10 countries, "Tara Duncan" tells the story of a 12 year old girl who discovers that she is a "sortcelière", (those who can bind fates), with magical and supernatural powers. Touted as Harry Potter's younger French sister, Tara Duncan's magical adventures have already captured the minds of thousands of children throughout the world.
Commenting, Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQE Group said,
"Today's announcement demonstrates the ongoing strength of DQE's relationship with MoonScoop Group to co-produce world class animation for both television and film. We look forward to working with MoonScoop to explore producing Indian content in Live action in addition to co-working on other animation projects."
"Our faith in DQ Entertainment as a suitable partner in today's highly competitive marketplace has been reinforced with the signing of this new co-production between the 2 groups." Said Christophe di Sabatino, co-Chairman of Moonscoop. "We have a great track record and hope to extend our working partnership on several other projects"
"This deal is in logical progression of our ongoing relationship with DQE," added Nicolas Atlan, CEO of The Moonscoop. "We have successfully collaborated on Casper and the Fantastic Four TV series. We hope that Tara Duncan will be yet another successful partnership. Each of our companies brings something unique to this agreement which we think will ultimately benefit not only our companies, but our broadcast and licensing partners, as well."
About DQE:
DQE is a leading animation production company engaged in the production of traditional / digital animation and game art development with a workforce of over 3500 and a global client base.
DQE produces animation for films, television series and console based games for a number of international production houses. DQE has over 80 clients including Walt Disney Television Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studios Inc., Electronic Arts, Marvel, American Greetings, NBC-Universal, BBC, M6, France 2, Method Animation, Atlantyca.
Currently under production at DQE are iconic international properties such as Iron Man, Casper, Pinky & Perky, Twisted Whiskers, Mikido, Little Nick, Le Petit Prince and many others. DQE has a library of over 300 hours of international animated programs in its Licensing Division.
DQE's international quality production facilities are based in Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Manila and has international sales offices in LA, Paris and Tokyo.
About MoonScoop Group:
Moonscoop is a leading worldwide production, distribution, brand management and entertainment company, focused on producing original projects and building brands with international appeal and longevity.
Its rights library combines many of the most successful programs and best-loved animated creations in the global television market and includes over 3,000 half-hours of programming airing in more than 160 territories worldwide. Key brands include "Code Lyoko," "Fantastic Four," "Titeuf" (Tootuff), "Pet Alien," "Dive Olly Dive!" and "Casper" which are licensed in markets around the world. Moonscoop's production slate currently includes new series "Geronimo Stilton", "Hero:108", "Twisted Whiskers" and "Chloe's Closet".
Moonscoop was established with the merger of France Animation and Antefilms Production and the subsequent stake of a majority share in US-based Mike Young Productions and Taffy Entertainment, which all now fall under the Moonscoop label. Moonscoop employs over 350 people worldwide.
Enquires:
Sumedha Saraogi, DQ Entertainment Limited
+91 40 2355 3726/27 or [email protected]
Mark Edwards / Jeremy Garcia / Miranda Higham
Buchanan Communications
+44 (0)20 7466 5000
Tom Price / Jeremy Ellis / Chris Clarke
Evolution Securities
+44 (0)20 7071 4300
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