DQE.L Regulatory News (DQE)

29 Jun 2009 07:00



DQ Entertainment PLC ("DQE")

"DQE and its affiliates to develop an all-new animated TV series based on Lassie® - The world's most famous dog"

DQE, (AIM : DQE) the Animation, Gaming and Entertainment production and distribution group, with its affiliates announced today the co-development for a multi-million Euro proposed animated TV series based on the legendary Lassie®. Partners include Classic Media, Inc.-the owner of the Lassie brand-DQ Entertainment's affiliate in France and Ireland, M6/France, and ZDF/Germany, resulting in a UK-Eire-German-French-Indian co-development endeavor.

Lassie, a brave and loyal collie dog, first appeared in Eric Knight's 1940 novel, Lassie Come-Home. She was so well received that, in 1943,  MGM Studios debuted the canine heroine in her first silver-screen appearance alongside Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, followed by 10 more feature films in the 40's and 50's -the first eight of which grossed over $285 million. Alongside Peter O'Toole, Samantha Morton and Peter Dinklage, in 2005, Lassie lit up the big screen in a critically-acclaimed new feature film.

In 1954, Lassie made her small-screen debut in an Emmy® Award-winning television series that continued to air for 19 seasons-making it one of longest-running series in television history. In total, Lassie has appeared in 691 television episodes airing continuously in more than 100 countries. She has also been the title character in a popular radio show and in books that have been published in multiple languages. She even has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Today, Lassie promotes pet health with her own all-natural line of dog food and treats, Lassie Natural Way™, and she remains a popular brand for merchandising and consumer products. In August 2009, the United States Postal Service will unveil a classic "Lassie" postage stamp. 

Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQ Entertainment Plc commented on behalf of DQ Entertainment group and its French & Irish affiliates, "Our association as production and distribution partners with Classic Media after the successful debut of hi-end CGI "Casper's Scare School" now gets into another long term artistically and commercially fruitful relationship with the co-development of heart-warming TV series in 3D animation. We are happy also that we will draw on the creative and commercial experience of Classic Media, M6 and ZDF Group along with our other French and Irish affiliates for this great co-development, which commercially means beginning of a new era for DQ Entertainment Group." 

About DQE:

DQE is a leading animation, gaming and entertainment production and global distribution group is engaged in production, co-production and original IP development with over 3500 workforce and with global client - partner base of over 90 Producers, Distributors, Broadcasters, Licensors including Walt Disney Television Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studios Inc., Electronic Arts, Marvel Comics, American Greetings, NBC-Universal, BBC Group, M6/ France TV/ TF-1 Broadcasting groups from France, ZDF Germany and many more world-wide.

DQ Entertainment Group true to its mandate to produce or co-produce and distribute iconic global brands have completed Iron Man - the first 3D animated TV series, Twisted Whiskers, Mikido, Casper, Pinky & Perky, second season of Large Family, third season of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and now is producing large number of TV series and movies which includes famous Jungle Book, Little Prince, Little Nicolas with a library of over 300 hours of international programs being distributed successfully world-wide. 

DQE's international quality production & distribution facilities are spread over the cities of Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Manila, Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo.

About Classic Media

Classic Media, one of the world's largest independent entertainment companies, is a leader in reinventing the classics of yesterday and creating the entertainment classics of tomorrow. The Company owns and manages a globally-recognized portfolio of well-known family and pop-culture entertainment brands, including Casper the Friendly Ghost®, Where's Waldo?®, The Lone Ranger®, Lassie®, Postman Pat®, and new global brands Tinga Tinga Tales® and Guess with Jess®.