DQE.L Regulatory News (DQE)

2 Oct 2009 07:27



DQ Entertainment PLC 

("DQE")

DQE to produce live action TV series 

'Toomai The Story of an Elephant Boy'

DQE, the AIM listed, India based animation, gaming and live action entertainment group, is pleased to announce the development and production of a live action TV series, 'Toomai The Story of an Elephant Boy'.

Adapted from Rudyard Kipling's 'Toomai of the Elephants' and entirely produced by DQE, this 26 episode series has an estimated production budget of €7.5 - €8.5M, to be raised by pre-sales and scheduled to be concluded shortly. The series is due for completion by late 2010 for an early 2011 release and is supported by ABC, Australia and other major global broadcasters.

DQE is premiering this high profile live action series trailer at Cannes, MIPCOM, 5 to 9 October 2009 with pre-sales agreements with major European broadcasters and distributors expected to be announced shortly. 

The series will appeal to under 14s, with the cast consisting of three actors from Europe alongside an Indian based cast and crew. The series will also be shot exclusively on location in India and led by a leading European director, supported by three Indian assistant directors. 

Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQE Group commented: 

"We are delighted to bring Rudyard Kipling's iconic classic character 'Toomai' to life for a whole new generation of children. We are grateful for the starting support from ABC, Australia and expecting more confirmations post the Cannes MIPCOM festival, to start shooting this beautiful Adventure-Drama in Kerala with our international cast and crew".

Media Contact:

Additional information on 'Toomai'

Bringing Rudyard Kipling's classic 'Toomai' to a new generation of children, the series will bring to life an iconic character who inspired the classic 1937 film 'Elephant Boy', [starring Sabu Dastagir] and a successful 1960s TV series, which had a home run across Europe and Australia, followed by another British TV production in 1973, which was shot in Sri Lanka and had 3 successful years of commercial success, especially in Britain, Germany and France.

DQE now adapts the story to 21st century India, highlighting modern India's commitment to conserve the world's biggest adorable mammal, the elephant. Toomai, the little 12 year old hero, a 4th generation mahout (Elephant handler/trainer), sets out on this adventure along with his little brother Gopi and 12 year old friend Gia, daughter of Dr Richardson and Mrs Richardson who are committed to a very difficult task of running an 'Animal Hospital and Rescue Center' in the picturesque elephant sanctuary close to the back-waters of tropical Kerala.

Amidst the beautiful surroundings of lakes, long winding back-water canals and the backdrop of the lush forested hills of Kerala lies the Elephant Sanctuary, Animal Hospital and the traditional Mahout Training School, run by Toomai's ancestors. Toomai dreams of being one of the best mahouts ever to be born. He loves nature, the wild life and is interested in the daily chores of the sanctuary, also helping his father.

The story of Toomai the elephant boy is about the great adventures and escapades in the jungle, wild life and tales of his valour, compassion, camaraderie, elephant tradition and love for 'KalaNag', the great Tusker whom he handles with ease. This story full of adventure and drama with Toomai, Gia, Gopi and Kala Nag, the Tusker, takes us through 26 half-hour live action shows to rescue elephants and other animals, get help to save the elephants from tusk poachers and many more heart warming stories .

About DQE: 

DQE is a leading animation, gaming and entertainment production and global distribution group engaged in production, co-production and original IP development with a workforce of 2,788 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/ TF-1 Broadcasting groups from France, ZDF Germany and many more world-wide.

DQ Entertainment Group has produced/co-produced and distributed iconic global 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 Clubhouse and is now producing large number of TV series and movies which includes famous iconic properties like Little Prince and Little Nicolas. DQE has a library of over 400 hours of international programs being distributed successfully world-wide. 

DQE is also developing and producing 'The Jungle Book', the 100% home grown global production as a 52 episode animated series and a 60 minute TV feature. The other major co-production partners are ZDF Enterprises and ZDF Broadcasting - Germany, as well as broadcasting and licensing powerhouse TF1 Group and Moonscoop from France. DQE is also developing and producing iconic properties like Lassie which will be a 26 x 22 minute CGI animated series, Toomai-The Elephant Boy which is a live action TV series as well as Indian IPs which are on production like Feluda, Suryaputra and Omkar. 

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