Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc. Formed; Global Hit 'Deltora Quest' to Air on New TV Network 'The Hub,' Launching Fall 2010

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Dentsu Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange, Code 4324), the world's largest advertising agency brand and a leading producer of Japanese animation, has formed a wholly owned subsidiary company -- Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc.  Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, the new entity operates in multiple territories outside of Asia, developing original animation programming and media content.  It is also responsible for expanding licensing sales for existing and new properties.

Additionally, Dentsu Entertainment USA announced that the international hit animation series, "Deltora Quest," has been acquired by the new joint venture children's network brand from Discovery Communications and Hasbro -- The Hub.  The 52 half-hour episodes of "Deltora Quest" will begin airing when the network launches on television and online in Fall, 2010, reaching 60 million homes.  The series is based on the international top-selling fantasy-adventure book series of the same name.  Dentsu Entertainment USA will manage all licensing rights outside of Asia, which is handled by Dentsu directly.

Mr. Yo Hattori of Dentsu Inc. said, "Dentsu Entertainment USA will have the ability to operate more effectively as an independent entity, while also maximizing synergy with Dentsu's global family of companies."

Mr. Yuma Sakata of Dentsu Entertainment USA said, "Dentsu has given us an opportunity to more aggressively seek US business opportunities in entertainment – including the development of new television properties with global sensibilities – while also serving as a local office for western initiatives on properties originating in Japan, such as 'Deltora Quest' and 'Mameshiba.'"

All activities, projects, obligations and staff formerly with DCI Los Angeles (DCI-LA), a Dentsu America division formed in 2008, will now operate under Dentsu Entertainment USA.  In addition to "Deltora Quest," migrating properties include: "Chub City," originally a popular toy line of street-savvy figural characters and vehicles, currently in development as an animated series;  "Mameshiba," a collection of appealing bean-dog characters that debuted in Japan in 2008, growing into a global licensing phenomenon with over $55 million in product sales last year; and "Monsuno," a new animated action TV series for boys aged 6-11 scheduled to launch in 2011 in North America, Europe and Asia, in partnership with JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK).  The 52-episode "Monsuno" series will launch with a line of JAKKS-produced toys, and a robust roster of licensees to be managed through a joint venture between Dentsu Entertainment USA and JAKKS.  

Former DCI Los Angeles leadership heading up the new company, include:

• Mr. Yuma Sakata, President & Chief Executive Officer
• Mr. Marc Harrington, Sr. Vice President, Global Strategy & Development
• Mr. Yukio Kusumoto, Executive Producer, International Production
• Ms. Yulie Yoshimura, Manager, Licensing & Promotions

About Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc. (dentsuentertainment.com), previously known as DCI Los Angeles (DCI-LA), was formed in April, 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dentsu Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange, Code 4324), the world's largest advertising agency brand and a leading producer of Japanese animation, with over 18,000 full-time employees and offices worldwide.  Dentsu Entertainment USA develops original animation programming and media content for markets worldwide, and manages licensing programs for existing and new properties.  Current projects include: "Chub City," a popular toy line of street-savvy characters and vehicles, currently in development as an animated series; "Deltora Quest," based on the international top-selling fantasty-adventure book series of the same name, soon to debut in the United States on the new children's network, The Hub, and already airing in other markets; "Mameshiba," a collection of appealing bean-dog characters that have grown into a global licensing phenomenon with over $55 million in product sales in 2009; and "Monsuno," an animated children's series co-produced with JAKKS Pacific, slated to debut in 2011.  

SOURCE Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc.