Leading Producers of Animation in Europe and India To Combine Efforts In Developing New Animated TV Series, Feature Films and More
HYDERABAD, INDIA and PARIS, FRANCE, 27th June 2008 - DQ Entertainment International (DQE), the internationally acclaimed and AIM listed animation entertainment company, and MoonScoop Group, one of the leading worldwide brand management and entertainment companies engaged in the production, distribution, licensing, merchandising, marketing and distributing of animated creations, today announced that they have entered into a strategic alliance. The alliance will capitalize on the individual business networks and production expertise of both groups, and provide global operational leverage.
In the new partnership, DQE and MoonScoop aim to co-produce at least five TV series and two feature films (animated and/or live action) for worldwide distribution, with estimated global costs of over $100 million. They expect to release at least one TV series or film each year of the agreement, which runs through 2012. One or more of the co-productions will also potentially feature Indian mythology and characters which are becoming increasingly popular with audiences worldwide. Finally, the companies will also focus on new media business development, following in the footsteps of MoonScoop's successful launches of the kid-oriented VOD and Broadband channels Kabillion (in the US) and Taffy Kids (in Europe).
The new strategic partnership was initially discussed as MoonScoop and DQE began working together on the new animated TV series "Casper's Scare School," scheduled for 2009 and co-produced with Classic Media. The two companies also worked together successfully on "The Fantastic Four" animated series based on the famous superheroes from Marvel. The MoonScoop Group's Mike Young Productions, based in the US and Wales also has a rich history with DQE, working together on the hit animated series "ToddWorld" and the upcoming "Twisted Whiskers," a co-production with American Greetings.
"DQ Entertainment is one of the fastest-growing and most-respected animation studios in the world and this strategic agreement will allow each of us to nurture our upcoming projects to ensure their success in today's highly competitive marketplace," explains Christophe di Sabatino, co-Executive Chairman of The MoonScoop Group. "We look forward to working with them on a variety of projects."
"DQ Entertainment has been a driving force in the huge growth of the Indian animation industry," added Nicolas Atlan, co-CEO of The MoonScoop Group. "They also have some phenomenal stories that need to be told and we're perfectly positioned to help them
bring this interesting new content to a worldwide audience."
Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQE Group said "This is a magnificent strategic and functional partnership. Moonscoop and DQE have been associated together in the past for production of 'The Fantastic Four' and we are now co-producing and licensing the iconic 'Casper's Scare School.' There are compelling synergies in working together and we will jointly produce world class television productions and feature films, including those with Indian Mythology and stories. I am extremely pleased to extend our relationship with Moonscoop Group, one of the largest in this domain, to the next level of association."
"The entertainment industry is becoming more globalized and it is imperative to our future growth that we develop strategic partnerships with key companies such as DQ Entertainment," said Laurent Billion, COO Europe of The MoonScoop Group. "Each of our companies brings something unique to this agreement which will ultimately benefit not only our companies, but our broadcast and licensing partners, as well as the viewers of our content worldwide."
Sanjay Choudhary, Head of Group Corporate Finance for DQE said "I am extremely buoyant with this strategic association. We will be able to leverage the strength of both the companies with sharper focus and momentum. There are tremendous commercial synergies and value addition to both the groups. This arrangement synchronizes perfectly with our growth plans at DQE."
Media Contacts:
Marc Grossmann, The MoonScoop Group - USA
+1 (818) 227-8966 or PR@TaffyEntertainment.com
Marion Randon, The MoonScoop Group - France
+33 (0) 1 53 35 90 90 or marion.randon@MoonScoop.com
Sumedha Saraogi, DQ Entertainment
+91 40 2355 3726/27 or sumedha@dataquestinfoway.com
Gautam Seth, DQ Entertainment
+91 40 2355 3726/27 or gautam@dqentertainment.com
About MoonScoop Group
The MoonScoop Group is a leading worldwide production, distribution, brand management and entertainment company, focused on producing original projects and building brands with international appeal and longevity. Christophe and Benoit di Sabatino serve as co-executive chairmen of the group. The Group consists of some of the finest worldwide animation producers: MoonScoop Productions of France and Mike Young Productions in the USA; two highly-regarded production studios: LuxAnimation of Luxembourg and Antefilms Studio of France; Taffy Entertainment, a leading worldwide distribution and licensing company; and MoonScoop Digital Media, one of the newest and most technologically-advanced broadcast companies. Together, they combine many of the most successful programs and best-loved animated creations in the global television market. Its combined distribution catalogue includes over 3,000 half-hours of programming and over 100 titles, airing in more than 160 territories worldwide. Its key properties include "Code Lyoko," "Fantastic Four," "Titeuf" (Tootuff), "Pet Alien," "Mix Master," "Dr. Dog," "Hero:108," "Funky Cops," "Invisible Man," and "Casper." Established with the merger of France Animation and Antefilms Production and the acquisition of Mike Young Productions, MoonScoop Group now employs over
300 people worldwide.
About DQE:
DQ Entertainment (DQE) is the leading producers of Animation for Feature Film, TV Series, Home Video, Games Art and Visual Effects (VFX) for global TV series, Feature Films, DTH Videos, including online, mobile and Next-Gen Console Game Art and
in-game animation.
The Group's client base spans across various continents and includes large production companies like Walt Disney Television Animation - USA, Nickelodeon Animation Studios Inc. - USA, Electronic Arts - UK, Canada, Method Films - France, Marvel - USA, American Greetings - USA, NBC-Universal - USA, BBC - UK, Mattel - USA, Take 2Interactive - USA and others.
DQE aims to provide broad based Entertainment Content Offerings based on market demand. DQE has entered into Co-production & licensing of main stream Bollywood Live Action Feature Films in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc and PNC Ltd for the Movie "Meerabai Not Out". Several animated feature films and Television series are in development besides a large ongoing order book.
DQE is listed on the AIM market of London Stock Exchange and the group's production facilities are based out of India & in Manila, Philippines while the creative & sales offices are located in USA, France & Japan. DQE's largest facilities in India are in Hyderabad spread over 10 locations while the other facilities are Kolkata, Chennai & Mumbai with the manpower over 3400+ and adding over 1000 shortly, making it the largest group in this domain.
DQE's expertise in quality planning & strong production management has earned a DNV ISO 9001 certification, by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Netherlands.
DQE's productions have won several recognition & awards which include several nominations at Emmy (for "ToddWorld," "Curious George" (Season 1), "Post Card from Busters," "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," an Emmy Award for "Tutenstein", BAF Award for "Delta State," "Chose Your Own Adventure," "Skyland," Cartoons at Bay , Italy for "Skyland" and "Pet Pals," Redemptive Film Festival USA for "Donkey Ollie." The group's business management practices have also been recognized and being awarded Asia's Top 100 Private Best Managed Companies by Red Herring USA, Deloitte Asia Pacific Fast Growing Companies for 2006 and 2007.
###