DQ Entertainment International ("DQE" or the "Company") - DQE Signs Global French Publishing Deal with Hachette Livre

HYDERABAD, India, May 6, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DQE, the animation, gaming, live action entertainment production and distribution company, is pleased to announce the signing of a exclusive publishing licensing deal for The Jungle Book with Hachette Livre for French language worldwide .

Under the terms of the agreement, Hachette has the right for publication of The Jungle Book in six key segments that include story books, activity books, novelty books, workbooks and home learning, chapter books-novelisation and ebooks. The distribution channels for this deal includes book retailers, comic book stores, department stores, mail order catalogues, mass market, trade and wholesale outlets and book clubs, toy stores, direct sales and catalogue and specialty retailers among others.

Hachette Livre ("Hachette") is the largest publisher in French language and is part of Lagardere Media, the media division of Groupe Lagardere, which is active in communications and media (books, press, audiovisual and distribution/retailing of cultural products) worldwide.

Hachette was founded in 1824 and is made up of several reputed publishing companies in France including Headline Publishing Group, Hodder & Stoughton, John Murray, Orion Publishing Group, Octopus Publishing Group, Little, Brown Book Group, Hodder Education Group, and Chambers. Many famous novel series like The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, The stories of Enid Blyton, The Little Vampire, Winx Club, Inspector Gadget, The five detectives among various others have been published by Hachette in the collection Rose Library, which are a collection of books for young children. Hachette India was incorporated on May 29, 2007 and has soared into place as the second-largest trade publisher in the country by value terms.

With the vast experience and expertise Hachette has in the publication sphere along with the tremendous reception Jungle Book has already received, the present deal will enable both parties to transcend the property beyond TV sets while acting as a new stream of revenue.

Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQE commented:

"Our collaboration with Hachette for the publishing of this classical property in French stands testimony to the fact that the brand Jungle Book has fabulous recognition worldwide. We believe that we have chosen the right partner to bring this wonderful property to the French denizen's world over.

This is the beginning of a new and strategic relationship with Hachette and we look forward to continue our association with them."

Christine Foulquies, Director of Projects from Hachette Livre commented:

"We are delighted to have finalised this deal with DQE and we are very proud to be their publishing partner in France for this wonderful property. Hachette teams will promote Jungle Book in full earnest and I am certain that this is the beginning of a long-standing relationship between our two companies."

Description:

The series tell stories of the man-cub 'Mowgli' raised in the Indian jungles by a pack of wolves. Drama, excitement and adventure mixed with a high element of comedy tell tales of how Mowgli lives and survives in the jungle, where his only companions are animals. His adventures reflect his daredevil, fearless, high-spirited and fun-loving escapades. He is helped by Baloo the wise bear, his best friend Bagheera the black panther and (sometimes!) mighty Kaa, the rock python. Mowgli learns to overcome adversity and make progress in his life by using his quick wit and natural curiosity, with his constantly optimistic outlook on life. This is very challenging for the little man-cub with a evil enemy like Shere Khan, the royal Bengal tiger.

Mowgli's adventures open out in the lush tropical forest of Seeonee amidst splendid Indian royal forts, temples, waterfalls and the Waingunga river. Throughout the series other characters from the Kipling stories add flavor to the drama, comedy and action, bringing out excellent animation and quality storytelling.

Trailer available for viewing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5pDCplIPp4

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. With a workforce of approx 3500 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 Group / TF-1 - leading broadcasting and Distribution groups from France, ZDF TV and ZDF Enterprises - leading broadcaster and global distributor from Germany, ABC Australia, Al Jazeera - Arabic nations, Disney Channels - Asia, Cartoon Network Group and many more world-wide.

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 now in Second Season and Fanboy for Nickelodeon, USA and is now co-producing properties like 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 is on fast track.

DQE's 100% 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 has also announced the development of 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. The first series will be developed in colour creating a timeless atmosphere and a unique look, blending early 20th century with present time, allowing for younger generations to identify with the Charlie Chaplin character.

DQE has received recognition and awards at several national and international forums fostering creativity and excellence. Some of the recent recognitions have been at the Ernst & Young,

Entrepreneur of the Year - 2009 India Awards, The UK Broadcast Awards 2010, Sichuan TV Festival International "Gold Panda" Awards, The Emmy Award, administered by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for Tutenstein TV series co-produced by DQE and several others.

DQE's production facilities are based in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kolkata and it has international sales representatives in Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo.

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

SOURCE DQ Entertainment International