DQE Smitten by Neo Network (‘Neo Network’) to Co-Produce ‘The Qpiz’

HYDERABAD, India, June 21, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — DQE, the animation, gaming, live action entertainment production and distribution company, is pleased to announce the signing of a co-production agreement with Neo Network to produce a high definition 2D digital animated television series titled "The Qpiz".

Neo Network is the digital entertainment company of Zodiak Entertainment, a leading creator, producer and distributor of multi-genre content for TV, cinema, internet and mobile phones. Zodiak Entertainment is a subsidiary of De Agostini S.p.A. and comprises more than 40 production companies operating in over 18 countries around the world.

The Qpiz series comprises 52, two and a half minute interstitials regarding a group of self-styled super heroines of love, who valiantly and humorously but not always successfully, try to smooth out the love troubles of others. The interstitials are aimed at girls aged 6-12 years.

This high definition 2-D animated television series will be produced at a multi-million Euro global budget by Neo Network and DQE. The multi-platform TV series is an original idea created by Neo Network that mixes slapstick humour with romance aimed at girls aged 6-12.

The pre-production of the Qpiz series will be performed by Neo Network with the animation undertaken by DQE. Italian pubcaster Rai’s satellite pay-TV offering RaiSat is already on board the project and Zodiak Entertainment will undertake the distribution of the series.

Tapaas Chakravarti, Chairman and CEO of DQE said: "The Qpiz is a unique concept and we are happy to partner with Neo Network on this delightful project. I am sure this series will be very popular with its target audience and we are confident of its popularity and success especially in DQ territories for distribution, licensing and merchandising. We look forward to a long and continued association with Neo Network and the entire De Agostini group"

Cristina Fiumara, Director of Kids Entertainment in Neo Network said: "The Qpiz is not only a fun and fashion forward TV series, but most importantly it is a 360degrees multi-platform project for girls, that includes a website, Facebook activities, the launch of an online game and several partnerships on Licensing & Merchandising that are currently taking place. It’s a very challenging and exciting project that we hope will conquer girls’hearts."

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.

http://www.dqentertainment.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/DQEnt

About Neo Network:

Founded in September 2000, Neo Network has long been at the cutting edge in conception, development and production of multi-platform entertainment content.

The company currently operates through 3 main business lines: Consumer Products, 360 Agency and a Broadcasting Division with local teams in Milan, Genoa and Rio de Janeiro.

Neo Network had turnover of circa EUR25 million in 2009 and employs approximately 150 people. The company produces original content aimed at consumers, media companies and brands and capable of being [ distributed/broadcast] on any kind of media.

Neo Network is part of Zodiak Entertainment, the global content production group which is itself owned by the De Agostini group active in 66 countries and has a turnover of approximately EUR 4 billion. It is Italy’s largest conglomerate in Publishing Media Games services and finance a multinational financial conglomerate based in Italy.

http://www.neonetwork.com

About Zodiak Entertainment

Zodiak Entertainment is a leading creator, producer and distributor of multi-genre content for TV, cinema, internet and mobile. Part of the De Agostini group, Zodiak Entertainment comprises more than 40 production companies including Diverse, IWC Media, Jarowskij, Magnolia, Neo Network, Mastiff, Marathon, Presentable, RDF Television, RDF USA, RM 5to Elemento, Sol, The Comedy Unit, The Foundation, Touchpaper Television, and Yellow Bird.

Operating in over 18 countries around the world, Zodiak Entertainment companies have produced hit programmes including Being Human, Fort Boyard, Gormiti, Location Location Location, Peking Express, St Tropez, Stars on Stage, Wallander, The Secret Millionaire, Totally Spies!, Waybuloo and international feature film sensation, Millennium.

Zodiak Entertainment boasts a global sales distribution network based in London and Paris. http://www.zodiakentertainment.com

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

SOURCE DQ Entertainment International (DQE)