DQE.L Regulatory News (DQE)

5 Nov 2009 07:00



Immediate Release

5 November 2009

DQ Entertainment PLC ("DQE") and

Metropolis Television Inc sign television distribution agreement

DQE, the AIM listed Animation, Gaming and Entertainment production and distribution group is pleased to announce the signing by its subsidiary, DQ Entertainment (International) Ltd, of a free to air Television Distribution Licence agreement with Metropolis Television INC for the 26x 26' animated television series Iron Man. The agreement runs for a period of 3 years starting from August 2010 with the right to broadcast in ASEAN countries (13 territories including India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, South Korea ). As previously announced Cartoon Network acquired the pay TV broadcast rights from DQE for the ASEAN region. DQE owns the audio and video rights to the Iron Man animated series in this region.

The first season of IRON MAN debuted in the USA on the Nicktoons Network on April 24, 2009, and has already begun airing on Canadian network Teletoon from April 12, 2009. The hour-long premiere of the season broke Nicktoons Network's record of highest-rated original series by premiering with over 125,000 viewers. 

Iron Man is the legendary superhero first appearing in the pages of Marvel Comics. The series follows the adventures of teenage child prodigy Tony Stark and his alter ego of Iron Man. As Iron Man, he uses his technological inventions to stop villains and suits up to become the coolest crime fighting super hero. 

Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQE Group said, 

"We are happy to bring the Marvel superhero to a larger audience base in ASEAN countries through the free TV platform, even as the pay TV rights continue to be held by Turner Entertainment network for entire South East Asia. Ironman has entertained audiences in several regions and kids will surely love this cool crime fighting super hero. We are happy to partner with Metropolis Television Inc and hope to continue our association on several other properties in the future."

Linda Collins Vice President of Metropolis Television Inc said: "It's a great title with pedigree. We and our representatives in Asia - Vision Plus Entertainment - are incredibly proud to be working with our partners DQ Entertainment in bringing it to South East Asia. Ironman has entertained audiences for generations and we believe that it will continue to do so in the years to come. Children all over South East Asia will enjoy the adventures of Iron Man."

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.

About Metroplis / Vision Plus Entertainment ("VPE")

Vision Plus Entertainment, based in Malaysia, was incorporated 22 years ago and is one of the largest independent distributors in South East Asia, covering a total of 13 territories. 

The range of programming is broad - from blockbuster and TV movies to wildlife and current affairs documentaries to animation to prime time drama and sitcoms.

VPE has on-going relationships with Warner Bros, NBC-Universal, CBS-Paramount, Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox as well as independents like Fremantle International Distribution, MGM, LionsGate, ShineReveille and others.

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