DIC Ent. and Mainframe Ent. will co-produce an all-new CGI INSPECTOR GADGET television special and DVD release, INSPECTOR GADGET SAVES THE DAY MAYBE. Mainframe will handle distribution in Canada, Australia and the U.K. with handling the title internationally and Lions Gate's Family Home Ent. handling the U.S.
"Transforming classic characters like GADGET from 2D to high quality 3D, CGI is becoming a Mainframe specialty," said Rick Mischel, ceo, Mainframe Ent. "As a co-distributor, this high profile project also fits into our ongoing efforts with IDT Ent. to distribute programs featuring well-known branded characters."
"We are thrilled to partner with Mainframe and Lions Gate to produce and distribute one of the world's most popular properties that appeals to children and adults alike," comments Andy Heyward, chairman/ceo, DIC Ent. "The latest incarnation of GADGET combines the classic adventurous storylines and engaging characters that the world has grown to love with exciting CGI technology--a triple threat in the world of animation."
"We are very selective regarding the properties we market, committing only to the ones we feel have a unique position in the market place," said Glenn Ross, president of Lions Gate's Family Home Ent. "Inspector Gadget has always resonated with children because of his incredible creativity and humor. We are extremely excited to collaborate with Mainframe and DIC Ent. on this animated special about the world famous detective which is certain to provide non-stop entertainment."
In the new special, the bionic detective with his now 16-year-old niece, Penny and her dog, Brain, who must help bumbling Gadget protect Metro City from the evil Doctor Claw who steals a thawed, prehistoric Giant Flying Lizard egg from Metro City's misguided Mayor.
DIC Ent., a leading children's entertainment company, is a full-service studio dedicated to creating, developing, producing, distributing, marketing and merchandising family-based intellectual properties. DIC has distinguished itself by building one of the largest libraries of U.S. animation with more than 3,000 half-hours of renowned programming, including INSPECTOR GADGET, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC, SABRINA, MADELINE, LIBERTY'S KIDS, WHERE ON EARTH IS CARMEN SANDIEGO, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, SUPER MARIO BROS and SUPER DUPER SUMOS. For more information, visit www.dicentertainment.com.
Mainframe Ent. Inc. is one of the world's most prolific producers of computer animation for television and direct-to-videos, and is expanding into long-form CGI for feature films, commercials and interactive entertainment. The company is best known as the pioneer of computer animated television series for the groundbreaking REBOOT. Mainframe's majority shareholder is IDT Ent., which is focused on developing, acquiring, producing and distributing computer-generated and traditionally animated productions and other productions for the film, broadcast and direct-to-consumer markets. For more information, visit www.mainframe.ca.
Lions Gate Ent. is the leading diversified independent producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment and video-on-demand content. For more information, visit www.lionsgatefilms.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
