IDT Gets in 3D Game, Again, Buys DKP
DKP Effects Inc., a 3D animation and special effects production company, based in Toronto, is the latest acquisition for IDT Ent., joining Canadian 3D producer Mainframe in the rapidly-growing holdings of the subsidiary of IDT Corp., a multinational carrier, telephone and technology company. DKP is producing the 3D moves for GAME OVER, the first U.S. network primetime CGI animated series airing Wednesdays on UPN.
Established in 1985 by Dan Krech and Jackie Lynette, DKP Effects has gained an international reputation for digital visual effects it has produced for feature films, television, video features and commercials. DKP has completed special effects for some of Hollywoods top studios, including 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. and New Line/Alliance Films.
The company is also responsible for effects and animation for more than 3,000 commercials, including award-winning spots for such clients as Suzuki, Ford, Pepsi, GMC, Polaroid, Michelin, Bose, PlayStation and Fisher Price. DKP recently completed six episodes of GAME OVER for UPN that depicts the humorous daily activities of a regular suburban family living inside a videogame world.
This acquisition brings that extra measure of pizzazz to the animation magic created by IDT Ent., said Jim Courter, IDTs ceo. By adding DKPs cutting edge technology to its own world class computer generated animation capabilities, IDT Ent. moves further ahead of the competition.
IDT Ent. has a controlling interest in Film Roman, Inc., Anchor Bay Ent. Group, a minority equity interest in Vanguard Animation, Llc., and a 5% equity interest in Archie Comics Entertainment, Llc. Digital Production Solutions (DPS) is a unit of IDT Ent., based in Newark, New Jersey.
DKP provides IDT with another production hub in its growing integrated global animation network that includes key facilities in Newark, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Israel. In addition, DKPs powerful production tool, the Graphic Realtime Information Display (theGRID) will add depth to IDT Ents production capability. DKPs theGRID, utilized on GAME OVER, speeds up and simplifies the management and completion of complex animation projects by connecting all elements of production and accelerating realtime changes.
Recently, DKP completed a VEGGIETALES episode entitled Snoodles and 3-2-1 PENGUINS! for Big Idea Prods., as well as the groundbreaking DVD interactive movie, SCOURGE OF WORLDS, A DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ADVENTURE.
DKP shares our passion for high quality production that is both innovative and efficient, said IDT Ent. ceo Morris Berger. This acquisition provides IDT Ent. with additional production options and additional premium properties. By adding DKPs work on GAME OVER to the IDT production roster that includes THE SIMPSONS and KING OF THE HILL, IDT Ent. becomes the largest and only production facility producing 2D and 3D primetime broadcast programming.
We are thrilled to join the exceptionally talented group of companies at IDT Ent., said Dan Krech, president of DKP Effects. Collaboration with this elite global team of industry icons provides DKP with infinite opportunities to develop and produce groundbreaking original animation.