MoonScoop and Classic Media announced that they will produce and distribute a brand new CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST animated series. Indias DQ Ent. has also come on board as co-production partner and the series will be developed with TF1 in France. Production on the new 52x11 series is set to commence in February 2007. Distribution of the new series will be shared between the co-production partners.
Christophe and Benoit di Sabatino, executive co-chairmen of the MoonScoop Group, said, With Classic Media and DQ Ent. as co-production partners, we have an excellent team in place. Casper is such an internationally recognizable character and we are delighted to be producing a new series which were confident will create a whole new generation of CASPER fans.
Nicolas Atlan, evp, production and i.p. management at the MoonScoop Group, said, This is a wonderful project, Casper is such a popular and much loved character and we are very much looking forward to working with Classic Media and DQ Ent. on the show.
CASPER is one of the worlds most beloved and recognizable kids properties, added Doug Schwalbe, evp of Worldwide Distribution at Classic Media. MoonScoop is the perfect partner to help us produce a fresh new series based on this iconic character. Their production expertise and track record in delivering hit shows to broadcasters around the world speaks for itself. Our focus will be on securing further broadcast partners and pre-sales for the series at MIPCOM.
DQ Ent.s cmd/ceo, Tapaas Chakravarti, said, "My generation has also grown up with CASPER stories and CASPER movie. Casper character is one of the most well recognized and loved characters in this part of the world too. We are absolutely delighted to join hands with MoonScoop and Classic Media to produce this TV series which is very close to my heart."
The deal to produce a new CASPER TV series follows the completion of the CGI animated feature CASPERS SCARE SCHOOL, featuring voice cast, which includes Bob Saget, Jim Belushi, Phyllis Diller and THE SIMPSONS Dan Castellaneta. Cartoon Network will broadcast the new animated feature length movie in the U.S. this year.
The MoonScoop Group, which brought together Antefilms Prod. and France Animation in 2003, acquired a majority stake in U.S.-based production studio Mike Young Prods. (MYP) and its distribution arm Taffy Ent. in 2005. It aims to build its worldwide presence by focusing on producing original projects and building brands with international appeal and longevity.
Classic Media owns and manages some of the worlds most recognizable family properties across all media including feature film, television, home video and consumer products. The companys extensive library features a diverse collection of popular animated and live-action characters such as: Casper the Friendly Ghost, Mr. Magoo, Richie Rich, Peter Cottontail, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Lone Ranger, Lassie, Underdog, Little Lulu, pat the bunny and Lamb Chop.
DQE, a Red Herring 100 Private company, is now perhaps the largest 3D, 2D, Flash and next-generation game asset production company in India and the Far East. For further information, visit www.dqentertainment.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
