Mega Bloks Inc. is partnering with Bardel Entertainment Inc. to make a sequel to last year's DRAGONS FIRE & ICE epic movie adventure. YTV will broadcast the new DRAGONS METAL AGES in fall 2005 while the previous distribution partners Lions Gate, Paramount, and Alliance Atlantis Motion Picture Distribution LP are onboard again for the global home entertainment distribution of the second Dragons movie.
"We are excited to be working once again with Bardel on this high quality film," said Vic Bertrand, evp/coo for Mega Bloks. "It is thanks to our esteemed partner, who stayed true to the Mega Bloks standards, that we were able to bring the DRAGONS universe to life. This film promises to establish Mega Bloks DRAGONS as trend-setting entertainment for the medieval action adventure fans of today."
Andrew Witkin, marketing director for Mega Bloks, noted that having the same distribution partners is, a testament to the long-term brand franchise Dragons has become. We are also thrilled to have Canada's No. 1 kids network, YTV, become our Canadian Television premiere licensee." The U.S. broadcast partner is being finalized.
"To bring the new visually stunning world of the DRAGONS METAL AGES sequel to life, Bardel has implemented new technologies into our production pipeline to lift the quality of animation," said Bardel ceo, Delna Bhesania.
The DRAGONS METAL AGES movie reintroduces heroes Prince Dev and Princess Kyra, as they embark on a new adventure aided by a mysterious young Odaku rebel named Gorhagar. The three teens must fulfill a dangerous destiny while the fates of the human and dragon worlds hang in the balance.
"DRAGONS METAL AGES is a truly enjoyable film that is sure to entertain DRAGONS fans both old and new," said Anne Parducci, Lions Gate Family Ent. evp. "Just like DRAGONS FIRE & ICE, this film is designed to bring viewers into the Dragons' world and mesmerize them with exciting action and high-quality animation. With its unique, stylized animation, DRAGONS METAL AGES is certain to offer an enhanced viewing experience that the entire family will enjoy."
The toy line is sold in more than 50 countries around the world, including the U.S., Mexico, the U.K., France, Italy, Spain and Australia. The Dragons movie is an integral component of Mega Bloks' strategy to extend the Dragons brand over time through new, innovative product, marketing, content and categories that broaden the property to a new engaging level of interaction for the consumer.
Mega Bloks creates high quality, fun, educational construction toys that inspire kids and parents to play and learn together. The MEGA BLOKS system features basic and themed construction toys for boys and girls of all ages. Headquartered in Montreal, Mega Bloks is a global organization employing approximately 1,000 people with sales in 100+ countries.
Established in 1987, Vancouver-based Bardel Ent. is a fully integrated entertainment company involved in the acquisition, development, production and distribution of animated programming and products for children and families. Bardel also establishes its properties by extending the brands with merchandising and licensing campaigns. Bardel specializes in theatrical animation services for the international film and video market and is one of the few animation companies in North America that is contracted for animation services on feature films produced by major American studios. Its impressive base of high-profile clients includes DreamWorks SKG, Warner Bros., Columbia TriStar, Disney Interactive, Fox, Nelvana, Turner and Electronic Arts.
