DQE.L Regulatory News (DQE)

8 Dec 2009 07:00



DQ Entertainment PLC ("DQE")

DQE agrees exclusive Jungle Book TV series and TV special with ABC TV, Australia 

DQE, the AIM listed Animation, Gaming and Entertainment production and distribution group, is pleased to announce it has signed an exclusive broadcasting agreement with Australian Broadcasting Corporation for the broadcasting of 52 episodes of the animated series of 'The Jungle Book' and a 60 minute TV Feature. This agreement will allow ABC TV exclusive broadcasting rights across the commonwealth of Australia. 

The new 3D-CGI TV series being developed and produced exclusively by DQE, will be launched by the third quarter of 2010 world-wide  and has already attracted high levels of interest from broadcasters globally.

Jungle Book is being produced with a global budget of Euro 9.2M, in co-production with German Broadcasting & Distributor ZDF Group, French broadcaster TF-1 and MoonScoop of France. The first episode premiered in Cannes this year with resounding success and triggered world-wide TV & Video pre-sales and merchandising enquiries.

Tapaas Chakravarti, CMD & CEO of DQE Group said, 

"The acquisition of the Jungle Book series and the TV special by ABC TV is an important strategic milestone for DQE as ABC's reach and reputation has resulted in the interest from other territories and related business increase exponentially. 

This agreement follows our recent announcements with the Disney channel covering 29 countries and a Home Video agreement with NBC Universal."

Barbara Uecker, Head of Programming and Acquisitions, ABC TV, Australia, said 

"I am delighted that THE JUNGLE BOOK has found its Australian home with ABC TV. The Jungle Book combines one of the most compelling children's stories with a state of the art animation giving it a new voice for a new generation. I have strong hopes for it and it's an integral part of our 2010 line up."

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Additional Information

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 a leading animation, gaming and entertainment production and global distribution group engaged in production, co-production and original IP development with a workforce of  3500+(2788 permanent employees and 712 freelancers and trainees), 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.

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 Clubhouse and is now producing properties like Little Prince and Little Nicolas. DQE has a library of over 350 hours of international programs for distribution. 

DQE is also developing and producing 'The Jungle Book'as a 52 episode animated series and a 60 minute TV feature, Toomai-The Elephant Boy which is a live action TV series as well as Indian IPs which are on production like Mysteries of Feluda, and Omkar. 

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

DISCLAIMER

DQ Entertainment (International) Limited, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of DQE, is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, an initial public offer of its equity shares in India and has filed a draft red herring prospectus ("DRHP") with the Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI"). The DRHP is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in and on the website of the book running lead manager at www.sbicaps.com.