DQE Signs French Co Production Deal for 'Little Nick'

HYDERABAD, India, January 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Global Budget of Approximately EUR7.7 Million

DQE, the animation, gaming, live action entertainment production and distribution company, today announces that it has entered into a co-production agreement for the second series of the animation of Le Petit Nicolas with M6 Studios (France), a well known TV broadcaster and producer.

The second season of Le Petit Nicolas (lovingly known as "Little Nick") comprises 52 episodes of 13 minutes each at a global budget of approximately EUR7.7 million . The series will be developed in high-end CGI and production is scheduled to start in 2011. DQE has the exclusive right to sell and distribute the TV and video rights pertaining to the series in Asian territories in Hindi, English and all local languages. DQE will also distribute the series (both seasons) in all English speaking countries worldwide.

Little Nick was created by Rene Goscinny, also the creator of Asterix and illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempe. This iconic French cartoon was first published in 1959, since when it has sold over 10 million copies in more than 30 countries. The first series of Le Petit Nicolas which was co produced by DQE is expected to premiere in the Indian subcontinent shortly and has already aired in France and on ZDF, Germany with excellent viewer numbers.

Tapaas Chakravarti, Chairman & CEO of DQE commented:

"I am confident that our collaboration with M6 Studio and its TV Channel for the co-production of the second season of this iconic property, 'Le Petit Nicolas' will again be hugely successful after the very successful run of the first season worldwide. This deal reaffirms the quality and dedication of DQE's work and the confidence that our partners have in us. The first season, also co-produced by DQE has aired in France as well as Germany and has received an excellent response from viewers. Soon audiences in the sub continent will be able to view it on a leading childrens network in this region."

Thomas Valentin, President of M6 Studios commented:

"M6 Studios is very proud of the relationship which has been successfully developed on the production of Little Nick with DQE, and also the other companies involved in the production, Method Animation and Luxanimation."

About DQE

DQE is one of the leading producers of animation, visual effects, game art and entertainment content for the Indian as well as global media and entertainment industry with a workforce of over 3,500 permanent employees and a global client-partner base of over 90 producers, distributors, broadcasters and licensors including Walt Disney Television Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studios Inc., Electronic Arts, Marvel Comics, American Greetings, NBC-Universal, BBC Group, M6/France TV/TF-1 Broadcasting groups from France, ZDF Germany and many more worldwide.

DQE has produced/co-produced and distributed iconic brands such as Iron Man - the 3D animated TV series, Twisted Whiskers, Mikido, Casper, Pinky & Perky,Large Family,Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and is now producing properties like Little Prince and Little Nicolas. DQE has a library of over 600 hours of international programs for distribution. DQE is also developing and producing 'The Jungle Book' as a 52 episode animated series and a 60 minute TV feature, Toomai-The Elephant Boy which is a live action TV series as well as Indian IPs which are in production like Mysteries of Feluda, and Omkar. DQE's production facilities are based in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kolkata and it has international sales representatives in Los Angeles, Paris and London.

    
    Contact:

    DQ Entertainment International
    Tel: +91-40-2355-3726/27
    Sumedha Saraogi
    sumedha@dqentertainment.com

    DQ Entertainment International
    Tel: +91-40-2355-3726/27
    P R Vishnu
    Vishnu@dqentertainment.com

    Company website: http://www.dqentertainment.com