Japan's Animated Hit Series Deltora Quest to Debut in Australia and New Zealand on Cartoon Network!

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan's animated hit series Deltora Quest, is coming to Cartoon Network in Australia and New Zealand, the number one channel in Asia Pacific for kids, it was announced today by DCI Los Angeles (DCI-LA), the U.S.-based production division of Dentsu Inc., and Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, owner of Cartoon Network.  

Based on the international top-selling fantasy-adventure book series of the same name, the 52 half-hour episodes of Deltora Quest will begin airing in April 2010, to coincide with Scholastic's re-launch of the Deltora Quest book series in the Australian and New Zealand territories.  Cartoon Network will also handle free-to-air and broadband distribution, as well as DVD and merchandising rights in these territories.

"We are excited to have Deltora Quest join our line up of comedy, action and adventure programs in Australia," said Mark Eyers, vice president, content, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc.  "Cartoon Network is continually strengthening its number one position in Asia Pacific with a solid mix of original productions and acquisitions.  Deltora Quest will further deliver on our promise of animating kids' lives with the best in animated entertainment."

Mr. Yuma Sakata, senior vice president for DCI-LA, said, "The animated series was a top-rated hit in Japan on TV Tokyo, and the series is highly anticipated in the Australian market.  We are thrilled to have Cartoon Network as our partner for Deltora Quest."

The Deltora Quest fantasy-adventure book series, one of several Deltora series penned by Australian writer Emily Rodda, was first published in 2000 by Scholastic Australia, and has since become a best-selling international children's favorite, winning numerous awards.  The series out-sells the Harry Potter books in many international markets.  True to the books, the Deltora Quest animation series follows the adventures of three companions, Lief, Jasmine and Barda, as they journey across the mysterious land of Deltora to recover magical artifacts and defeat Guardians of the evil Shadow Lord.

About DCI Los Angeles

Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, DCI Los Angeles (DCI-LA) was formed in 2008 to develop and co-produce animation content for broadcasters and media businesses worldwide.  The company's strategy unites North American and European development talent with Japanese animation expertise.  DCI-LA will also manage the distribution and licensing efforts for its own productions, and for those in which it has invested.  DCI-LA is a division of Dentsu America, the lead agency in North America of Dentsu, the world's largest advertising agency brand and a leading producer of Japanese animation.

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network is one of the most popular entertainment channels among kids and is currently seen in over 2 million homes in Australia.  The Network is distributed on Austar, Foxtel and Optus.  Launched in Australia in 1995, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s (TBS) Cartoon Network offers the best in animated entertainment.  Drawing from the world's largest cartoon library of Warner Bros., MGM and Hanna-Barbera titles, the Network also showcases original series including Ben 10, Ben 10 Alien Force, Chowder, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. Cartoon Network is the number one channel for kids in Asia Pacific and is currently seen in over 61 million cable homes in the region.  Online, Cartoon Network reaches 4.2 million unique visitors a month in Asia Pacific.

TBS Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

About Scholastic

Scholastic Corporation is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology.  Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, in children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film videos and toys.  The company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs and school book fairs, retail stores, some libraries and television networks, and the company's internet site: www.scholastic.com.au.

SOURCE DCI Los Angeles