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DQ Entertainment plc ("DQE")

DQ Entertainment and The Ontario Educational Authority ("TVO") Sign Broadcasting Deal

DQE, the animation, gaming and live action entertainment production and distribution company, is pleased to announce the signing of a broadcasting agreement with the Canadian-based educational broadcaster, TVO, for the 52 x 11 minute episode animated TV series and the 60 minute special of The Jungle Book. 

The Jungle Bookis a 100% home grown production premiering exclusively in Ontario, Canada, on TVOKids, TVO's award-winning program block for children. A leader in children's educational programming, TVOKids is a trusted source of fun, inspiring and commercial-free programs that help Ontario's kids be successful learners.

With this agreement, kids in this region can soon watch the adventures of the 'man cub' Mowgli with his animal friends Baloo, Bagheera, Kaa and Shere Khan on TVOKids.

The Jungle Book has already been sold for broadcasting, licensing & distribution in multiple countries around the world and more strategic deals for this high quality production are expected to be announced soon. The Jungle Book 'special' also being produced in 3D stereoscopic will provide viewers a real 3D experience while sitting in the comfort of their own homes.

"The Jungle Book is a beautifully animated adaptation of the classic Rudyard Kipling stories, and is a wonderful complement to our lineup of shows which encourage kids to learn and discover new things - all while having fun," says Frances James of TVO Acquisitions, Children's Media Content and Programming. "We are looking forward to premiering the series in the TVOKids schedule this fall and expect it will be a big hit with our viewers."

Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQE Group said, "We are delighted that The Jungle Book has been added to the lineup of fun filled programmes on TVOKids. The episodes of The Jungle Book are entertaining and still educational for kids. This deal fulfills several key priorities for our business strategy in this region for other licensing and merchandising opportunities."

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 over 3,500 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 of France and ZDF Group of 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.

About TVO TVO is Ontario's public educational media organization and a trusted source of interactive educational content that informs, inspires and stimulates curiosity and thought. TVO's vision is to empower people to be engaged citizens of Ontario through educational media. For more information, visit tvo.org.

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