DQE Announces Co-production Deals for Peter Pan in Cannes

HYDERABAD, India, October 4, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DQ Entertainment, a global animation, gaming and live action entertainment production and distribution company, is pleased to announce the signing of a new co-production agreement for its iconic property "The New Adventures of Peter Pan", in a 3D stereoscopic animated CGI format. The TV series will consist of 26 x 30 minute episodes.

DQE is producing "The New Adventures of Peter Pan" as a 3D stereoscopic production with Method Animation (France), and has concluded a deal with ZDF Group (Germany) ("ZDF") to co-produce the series. ZDF will be full co-producers on the project, with the right to appoint executive producers with full editorial rights and distribution rights across German speaking countries for Europe (excluding Italy and Turkey) UK, Ireland, South Africa and Latin America.

France Televisions have broadcasting rights for France and French speaking territories and have confirmed being on board this series in association with Method Animation (France). France Television's 1st commissioner of animation in Europe is working on adaptation of international IP's for more than 20 years and has produced some of the most exciting international franchises (Garfield, Gaston Lagafffe, Tintin, Lucky Luke, Marsupilami).

"The New Adventures of Peter Pan" is being produced at a global budget of approximately EUR10 million in high-end 3D stereoscopic CGI, and is anticipated to be broadcast by the beginning of 2012.

Other major partners who have recently confirmed their participation on this production are De Agostini (Italy) and ATV (Turkey) as co-producers of the series. While De Agostini, the leading Italian film, television and media conglomerate, will hold exclusive Pay TV, video on demand and licensing and merchandising distribution rights for Italy and Italian speaking countries, broadcaster ATV will hold broadcast rights for Turkey.

Tapaas Chakravarti, Chairman & CEO of DQE Group, commented:

"The production of Peter Pan is in line with our strategic business plan to work globally with knowledgeable and powerful business partners to produce high quality branded IP to attract audiences and generate multiple revenue streams for licensing, publishing and merchandising. We are confident that Peter, Wendy and the mischievous and endearing Tinker Bell will capture hearts around the world."

Alexander Coridass, President and CEO of ZDF Enterprises, said:

"We at ZDF Enterprises are proud to be part of an enthusiastic team of experienced co-production partners who all have the same goal: creating programs that touch the hearts, minds and souls of worldwide audiences. "The New Adventures of Peter Pan" is yet another example of an historic model that is filled with new life using modern, breathtaking production technologies and innovative ideas from international partners working jointly together."

Said Julien Borde, Head of Children and Youth Programs, France Televisions - "We are delighted to join Method Animation and DQ Entertainment in the development of Peter Pan. France Televisions 1st commissioner of animation in Europe is working on adaptation of international IP's for more than 20 years and has produced some of the most exciting international franchises (Garfield, Gaston Lagafffe, Tintin,Lucky Luke, Marsupilami...). It is a great honor for us to be part of such a challenging and motivating project. With the passion of Method and DQ artists, we are sure the first animated series version of Peter Pan will be consistent with the original universe and bring emotions and fun to a all new generation of kids."

Aton Soumache, Chairman & CEO of Method Animation, said: "We are truly happy to join hands with DQE and major renowned partners on this world-famous property. Our creative teams endeavored to bring magic and fantasy to this modern version of Neverland. 3D-CGI stereoscopic animation will definitely make our audience feel like they are flying alongside Peter Pan and his friends. This high-quality program associated with cutting-edge technology marks a milestone in our relationship with DQE."

Erdi Zencirli , Head of Programming Acquisitions ATV, said : "As one of the major players in the Turkish media scene "Turkuvaz Media Group", national prime channel "ATV" and rising star of Turkish kids media "Minika", we are committed to and delighted to be a coproducer on "Peter Pan", one of the precious jewels of children's classics..."

Massimo Bruno, Channel Manager DeAKids, said: "We are honoured to be part of this important project that will bring back to the new generations a publishing and animation masterpiece like Peter Pan in a new and actual style with great animation and high technology thanks to all of the partner involved in the project. For De Agostini, this is a important step in the kids tv market to create a library owner and to exploit it in many merchandising projects and ancillary rights."

Description:

The New Adventures of Peter Pan is a 3D stereoscopic TV series for ages 6 to 10, featuring Peter Pan, his best friend Tinkerbell and new generation Wendy, her brothers John and Michael and their dog Newfie in Neverland and beyond. Neverland is defined by wild imaginations and big adventures ruled by the boy who never grew up. This 26 X 22" fantasy-action-adventure series set in the timeless and magical world of Neverland and 21st century London will have Peter and his friends taking on Peter's long time foe, Captain Hook, and his pirates and all other unimaginable evils in a never ending battle to save Neverland in a fantasy adventure 3D HD TV series.

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 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.

    Company Web Site: http://www.dqentertainment.com
    You Tube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/DQEnt

    Further Information:

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

    DQ Entertainment International           Tel: +91-40-2355-3726/27
    P R VISHNU
    [email protected]

SOURCE DQ Entertainment International (DQE)