Walt Disney-owned DIC Entertainment and Korea-based animation firm Ameko Entertainment Co. have signed a multiyear deal to produce half-hour animated series. DIC will hold the worldwide distribution rights except in Korea. The first project, SUPER DUPER SUMOS, has already begun production. Executive producing the series will be DIC execs Andy Heyward, Robby London and Like Maliani along with Ameko’s Dong Chung and Robert Scharf. "The relationship between the company and Ameko has been very productive," DIC CEO and president Heyward said. "They have been excellent partners on the SUPER DUPER SUMOS project. We are looking forward to a long and successful relationship with them, and we are targeting additional series to start production on in the next six months." Ameko president and COO Chung said, "We are very enthusiastic about our new relationship with DIC. They have been one of the most prolific and progressive producers of animated product in the industry. We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with them." Currently, DIC is in production on 26 new episodes of the MADELINE TV series, an INSPECTOR GADGET feature and the direct-to-video MADELINE AROUND THE WORLD.