Hyderabad-based DQ Ent. has struck major co-production deals with a number of international companies at this year's MIPCOM.
DQ, Classic Media, and MoonScoop have forged a partnership to produce a new 52x11 3D series called CASPER'S SCARE SCHOOL, based on Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo's classic character Casper the Friendly Ghost.
Commenting on the partnership, Tapaas Chakravarti, Exec Producer and CEO of DQ, said, "We are very proud to announce our partnership with Classic Media and MoonScoop for CASPER SCARE series. We are glad that the friendly ghost has made a huge comeback with us It is time that the industry looks up and recognises the tremendous potential India has to offer."
DQ has also partnered with American Greetings Properties to produce MARYOKU YUMMY, a new animated series targeted at the 2-5 age group about Maryoku, an adorable "Yummy" who lives in a quirky, fantastical world where all children's wishes go to be granted.
"Maryoku means magical' in Japanese," said Jeffrey Conrad, studio chief at American Greetings and creator of MARYOKU YUMMY, "and the characters grew out of doodles that I created over the years. I've always been fascinated by the landscape prints from the Edo Period because they create a visual journey that inspires both philosophical and poetic reflection. Combining the iconic characters with such a beautiful world, and having it come to life in animation, is amazing. We are very excited about partnering with DQ Entertainment to bring MARYOKU YUMMY to life in animation."
In addition, American Greetings, DQ, and Taffy Ent. have agreed to co-produce a new 3D series based on the American Greetings property TWISTED WHISKERS. The stretched, squashed, and pop-eyed cat and dog characters have been popular with pet lovers for many years.
American Greetings Vice President of Production and Development Sean Gorman said: "We look forward to TWISTED WHISKERS' continued success as an entertainment property. In addition to being very popular with pet owners and animal lovers alike, the off-kilter look and attitude of the characters gives them strong cross-generational and cross-cultural appeal with everyone -- kids, tweens, teens and adults."
Other productions in which DQ is a participant include MIKIDO (52x11), a CGI series created at Method Films, France; LITTLE LEONARDO (26x13), a 2D animation co-produced with Gruppo Alcuni of Italy, and supported by RAI; a 26x30 series based on Marvel's IRON MAN; and a TUTENSTEIN movie in conjunction with Porchlight Ent.
