DQE and Sun TV Networks in Broadcast Deal for Multiple International Properties

HYDERABAD, India, June 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DQ Entertainment, the animation, gaming, live action entertainment production and distribution company, today announces an exclusive broadcasting agreement with Sun TV Network Ltd ("Sun TV"), one of India's largest media conglomerates, for the provision of animated content.

The agreement will see DQE provide hundred and seventeen half-hours of international animated programmes, which have been co-produced with major European, Canadian and US partners, including four renowned properties, namely; Casper's Scare School (3D TV Series) , Benjamin Bear (TV Series), Leonardo (TV Series) and Pet Pals (TV Series).

DQE, which separately controls exclusive Audio, Visual, Licensing & Merchandising rights for India and many other countries, will now be expanded to include commercial opportunities created through the SUNTV agreement.

Under the terms of the agreement Sun TV has the rights to broadcast these programmes in four languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam across their extensive network in India, Sri Lanka and many other countries with Indian diaspora. This is one of the largest Indian TV distribution deals that DQE has concluded, which will also take its world famous IPs to kids in India and Indian kids abroad - speaking Tamil Telugu, Kannada and Malyalam - through the Sun TV's network.

Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQE Group commented,

"We are a well recognized entertainment group world wide with marquee brand ownerships and delighted that we have been able to produce fantastic Indian intellectual properties with global broadcasting leaders like Disney, Turner, Nickelodeon and also been able to place high quality IPs owned by us on Indian regional broadcasting platforms to reach out to much larger audiences. We believe this broadcasting contract will open up a number of potential revenue generating opportunities for these four international properties in publishing, merchandising and home entertainment.

The Sun TV network has an extremely strong presence in India and neighbouring countries for these regional languages and we are happy that we have started a new business journey with such a large and successful broadcaster.

Kavitha Jaubin, Channel Head - Chutti TV, Sun TV Network Ltd., India said:

"We are excited to be partnering with one of the leading animation companies from India. Our strategy has always been to provide great content and this agreement would help in proving our strong-hold as a buyer in the Indian market. The titles are those which will create a good viewing base and will attract newer audiences. We are excited as a channel to launch these titles soon and we are looking forward to doing more such rewarding deals with DQE."

Further information:

1) Casper's Scare School :

52 episodes of this famous friendly ghost, "Casper" TV series is co-produced by DQE with Classic Media - USA and Monscoop - France, celebrating Caspers 50 years of entertaining kids worldwide. In this new 3D animated series, Casper begins taking some very strange lessons in how to really scare kids, at a new 'Scare school'. The adorable little ghost 'Casper' still can't scare anyone.

2) Benjamin Bear Season 1:

13 episodes co-produced with Amberwood Entertainment, Canada which is now in its 3rd season is the show that blows the lid off the best-kept secret in the world. We may think they're just cuddly toys for kids, young and old. But when we close our eyes at night or turn our backs in the day, they come alive and lead secret lives shock all with full of amazing adventures!

3) Leonardo :

26 Episodes of this HD Series , co-produced with Gruppo Alcuni, Italy for RAI, leading Italian broadcaster, and sold in several European/Asian countries, will unveil the little genius Leonardo's escapades and various incredible inventions which mostly get him into trouble. This entertaining series is a ploy to explore children's creativity and imagination.

4) Pet Pals :

65 half hour episodes co-produced with Gruppo Alcuni for RAI, is one of the most popular shows in Italy on the multiplex of channels of RAI TV Group. It has recorded extensive worldwide yield on Licensing and Publishing by Gruppo Alcuni. It is a series of six, lovable pets and their extraordinary adventures around the world.

About Sun Network

Sun Network, India's largest media conglomerate has Twenty TV Channels with the reach of more than 95 million households in India. Sun Network's channels can be viewed in 27 countries including U.S.A, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It also has Forty Five FM Radio Stations, Two Daily News Papers - Dinakaran the No.1 morning tamil daily news paper with sales of over 1.2 million copies a day, Tamil Murasu No.1 evening tamil daily, Four Magazines, Sun Direct one of the largest DTH (Direct To Home Satellite TV service) service provider in India having more than 5.3 million subscribers and Sun Pictures the film division of Sun Network which produces / releases at least 8 movies every year.

About DQE:

DQE is one of the leading producers of animation, visual effects, game art and live action entertainment content for the global media and entertainment industry. 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 Club House, First and Second Season of Madagascar TV Series and Fanboy & Chum-chum for Nickelodeon, USA and is now co-producing properties like The Little Prince and Little Nick with major international broadcasters and producers. DQE has a library of over 400 hours of international programs for distribution and licensing globally for TV, home entertainment, merchandising and publishing.

DQE's home grown production in Hi-end 3D, 'The Jungle Book' is in production as a 52 episode animated series and a 60 minute TV feature in co-production with international majors including TF1 and Moonscoop , France, ZDF Group, Germany and is to be released world-wide in 2010. Toomai-The Elephant Boy which is a live action TV series is in development in co-operation with international broadcasters, while several Indian IPs like Mysteries & Feluda, Omkar, Balkand I, II and III with International Broadcasters have had a successful run.

DQE is also developing a series of animated short films for television in collaboration with French production companies Method Animation and MK2. DQE, Method Animation and MK2 announced the production and worldwide distribution and exploitation of an animated version of 104 six-minute episodes inspired by the legendary film icon Charlie Chaplin's Hollywood films.

DQE has received several international awards including an EMMY for Tutenstein TV series, 11 Emmy nominations, The UK Broadcast Awards 2010, Sichuan TV Festival International "Gold Panda" Awards, Cartoons on the Bay awards, The E & Y Entrepreneur of the Year - 2009 India Award and many others.

DQE's production facilities are based in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kolkata and it has international sales representatives in Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo. With a workforce of approx 3500 permanent employees DQE has a global client - partner base of over 90 producers, distributors, broadcasters and licensors including Walt Disney Group, Universal Pictures, Nickelodeon Animation Studios Inc., Electronic Arts, Marvel Comics, American Greetings, , BBC Group, M6/ France TV Group / TF-1 - leading broadcasting and Distribution groups from France, ZDF TV and ZDF Enterprises - leading Distributors/ broadcaster and global distributor from Germany, ABC Australia, Al Jazeera - Arabic nations, Disney Channels - Asia, Cartoon Network Group and many more world-wide.

    Media Contact :
    DQ Entertainment International
    Sumedha Saraogi
    [email protected]
    Tel: +91-40-2355-3726-27

SOURCE DQ Entertainment International