11th Sep 2009 14:26
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For Immediate Release |
11 September 2009 |
DQ Entertainment International
DQ Entertainment - Kolkata completes 1st year of operations
DQ Entertainment - Kolkata, which is celebrating its first Anniversary, was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on 10th Sep 2008 . The production unit started functioning effectively from 10th November 2008. From then on this unit has grown both in manpower and its ability to execute quality animation.
This production centre which accommodates 280 professionals has seen a gradual increase in its manpower from just 30 Production Associates last year.
The first series to go into production at DQE Kolkata was "Twisted Whiskers" a property of American Greetings - the largest Greeting Card company in the United States. The work on this series received high praise from DQE's international partners and serves as a testimonial to the quality of animation that is being produced from this unit and the skill sets of the team. The Kolkata team successfully completed work on many episodes of Twisted Whiskers by April 09. The team is presently working on an iconic property - "Little Nick"( Le Petit Nicolas) - a famous property from France. The associates have honed their skills and have improved considerably in the last one-year, enabling them to execute international quality projects seamlessly.
The training initiative of DQE in Kolkata - The Webel DQE Animation Academy started operations in April 2008 after joining hands with Webel Animation Academy. Commencing with two one-year batches, two more one-year batches were subsequently launched in August 2008 and September 2008. Out of the same, 294 students have been successfully placed in the industry by the academy with majority being placed in the group.
DQE's Animation Academy provides on-the-job training to the local talent and also offers employment contracts within DQE for successful candidates who then get a chance to work directly on international projects.
In 2009, the academy launched two more one-year batches in February and July 2009. The Academy was invited by IIT - Kharagpur where it conducted two workshops and made presentations at various Art Colleges in and around Kolkata and also participated in the Kolkata International Film Festival.
With the advent of new technologies and the market requirements, the academy launched new program in 'ToonBoom Harmony', which is fast gaining ground and popularity in the international arena.
Constant efforts are on to upgrade the training programme with guest lecture support by Directors and mentors of international stature, who are currently working in or visiting DQE production center. It is envisaged that with the direct linkage of DQE's expertise as a large production house, the academy is poised to grow as a center of excellence.
Dr.Debesh Das, Hon'ble Minister-In-Charge, Department of Information Technology, Government of West Bengal on the completion of one year of DQE International in West Bengal said "My heartiest congratulations to DQ Entertainment International for having completed the very first year of successful operation of their Kolkata Production Center in the Salt Lake Electronics Complex on the 10th September 2009. I recall with great pleasure the kind of support DQE had been extending to the success of the Government of West Bengal's initiative to attract Animation Industries in the state. The state is proud to have already associated a giant like DQE in the field of animation to take its animation training initiative forward as Webel DQE Animation Academy. It gives me immense pleasure to share that DQE has recruited around 260 students in last one year of their direct association in the academy. After the entry of DQE in West Bengal in last year, I am really happy to state that Kolkata production center of the company is now employing 250 people, which is now the second largest studio after the main Hyderabad set up and they have the plans to expand here in future. I wish DQE and its Kolkata operations very successful years ahead with continuing growth in their production unit and help the state to be the destination for animation industries".
DQ Entertainment Chairman and CEO Mr. Tapaas Chakravarti said, "I am happy that we have delivered and lived up to our promise to setup a production as well as training base in Kolkata. At a time when industry climate has seen many companies do a rethink on their plans in WB, we are confident that this has been a step in the right direction. We hope to further grow this production center and academy to hone and nurture the skills of the local talent."
About DQE
DQE is a leading animation, gaming and entertainment production and global distribution group engaged in production, co-production and original IP development.
DQ Entertainment Group has produced or co-produced and distributed several iconic global properties such as Iron Man - the first 3D animated TV series, Twisted Whiskers, Mikido, Casper, Pinky & Perky, Large Family - 2, third season of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and now is producing large number of TV series and movies which includes famous iconic properties like Little Prince and Little Nicolas. DQE is also developing & producing 'The Jungle Book', as a 52 episode animated series and a 60' TV Feature. DQE has a library of over 400 hours of international programs being distributed successfully worldwide.
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.
END
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