DQE.L Regulatory News (DQE)

24 Aug 2009 09:30



DQ Entertainment PLC ("DQE") New Contract Update DQE Signs Asian broadcast deal with Nick India for 'Casper'

DQE, (AIM: DQE) the AIM-listed animation ,gaming and live action media company today announced an exclusive broadcast deal with Viacom18 for the 3D animated TV series Casper. The series will be broadcast on Viacom18's kids channel - Nick, from November 2009 across the entire South Asia. DQE along with Classic media and Moonscoop have sold the series world wide and it is already launched successfully on TF1 in France.

Casper is a co-production with Classic Media, USA and MoonScoop Group, France and DQE holds Exclusive Audio-Visual distribution rights for some Asian territories, under which the deal with Viacom18 (Nick) has been signed. The series has been produced at a global budget of US$9.36 Million by DQE Group, Classic Media, USA, Moonscoop-France with TF1 France and Cartoon Network. Even while the production was in the final stages, the series generated tremendous interest for TV and Video Licensing Sales in the Asian reserved territories of DQE. This deal will generate licensing income for DQE besides the co-production revenues already accrued by the company.

Casper the cute, pudgy ghost-child, who prefers making friends with people instead of scaring them is back again with his gang of ghost friends trying rather unsuccessfully to haunt people. Casper has gone on to become one of the most famous properties and the most lovable of ghosts recognized by children worldwide. After a very successful live-action cum animation feature and animated Home video, this iconic brand now debuts as a high quality 3D Animated 52X11' action packed TV series world-wide.

Commenting on the deal, Tapaas Chakravarti, Chairman and CEO ,DQE said: "We have grown up reading and watching the escapades of this friendly ghost and it is a privilege to now produce this series with Classic Media and Moonscoop for generation-next . DQE is pleased to be involved in the production of yet another iconic brand and we are grateful to Nickelodeon to play host to this lovable and friendly ghost on their network in some very important territories."

Anu Sikka, Associate Vice President - Programming and Scheduling, Nick India, said, "DQ Entertainment International and Nickelodeon Animation Studios have a long standing relationship as production partners. We are happy to now extend the association with DQ Entertainment International by acquiring this wonderful show for airing in the Indian region. The launch of 'Casper' on Nick will further strengthen our existing rich line up of compelling content. "

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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 a 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 iconic properties like Little Prince, Little Nicolas with a library of over 300 hours of international programs being distributed successfully world-wide. 

DQE is also developing & producing 'The Jungle Book', the 100% home grown global production as a 52 episode animated series and a 60' 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 has a library of over 300 Hours of international animated programs in its Licensing Division. 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.

Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B, world's leading entertainment content company, comprising brands like BET, MTV Networks and Paramount Pictures) and the Network18 Group, (one of India's leading full play media conglomerates with interests in television, internet, filmed entertainment, mobile content & allied businesses, comprising brands like CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz, Newswire18, moneycontrol.com, CNN-IBN, IBN 7, Homeshop18 and E18 amongst others). The joint venture includes leading brands across television, film and digital media to build one of India's leading multimedia entertainment powerhouse. Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd. includes the vibrant youth brand - MTV, the fastest growing kids channel - Nick, India's only International Music & Lifestyle channel - Vh1 , Studio18, a new-age motion picture brand that produces, acquires and distributes Hindi films and also launched the Hindi General Entertainment channel - COLORS. This apart, Viacom18 also runs Viacom's consumer products business in India. Viacom18 brings together the unique strengths of two formidable partners, thus forming an entertainment conglomerate that will have a competitive advantage in serving the needs of both viewers and advertisers. For more information on Viacom18, Viacom or Network18, log on to www.viacom18.com, www.viacom.com and www.network18online.com respectively. 

Media Contact: DQ Entertainment Limited  Sumedha Saraogi +91 40 2355 3726/27 or sumedha@dqentertainment.com

Buchanan CommunicationMark Edwards/ Jeremy Garcia / Miranda Higham Tel: 020 7466 5000