Animation company DQ Ent. International (DQE) and brand management company MoonScoop Group have entered into a strategic alliance. to co-produce at least five TV series and two feature films (animated and/or live action) for worldwide distribution, with estimated global costs of over $100 million.
They expect to release at least one TV series or film each year of the agreement, which runs through 2012. One or more of the co-productions will also potentially feature Indian mythology and characters which are becoming increasingly popular with audiences worldwide. Finally, the companies will also focus on new media business development, following in the footsteps of MoonScoop's successful launches of the kid-oriented VOD and Broadband channels Kabillion (in the U.S.) and Taffy Kids (in Europe).
The new strategic partnership was initially discussed as MoonScoop and DQE began working together on the new animated TV series CASPER'S SCARE SCHOOL, scheduled for 2009 and co-produced with Classic Media. The two companies also worked together successfully on THE FANTASTIC FOUR animated series based on the famous superheroes from Marvel. The MoonScoop Group's Mike Young Productions, based in the U.S. and Wales also has a rich history with DQE, working together on the hit animated series TODDWORLD and the upcoming TWISTED WHISKERS, a co-production with American Greetings.
"DQ Entertainment has been a driving force in the huge growth of the Indian animation industry," said Nicolas Atlan, co-CEO of The MoonScoop Group. "They also have some phenomenal stories that need to be told and we're perfectly positioned to help them bring this interesting new content to a worldwide audience."
Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman and CEO of DQE Group said "This is a magnificent strategic and functional partnership. Moonscoop and DQE have been associated together in the past for production of THE FANTASTIC FOUR and we are now co-producing and licensing the iconic CASPER'S SCARE SCHOOL. There are compelling synergies in working together and we will jointly produce world class television productions and feature films, including those with Indian mythology and stories."
"The entertainment industry is becoming more globalized and it is imperative to our future growth that we develop strategic partnerships with key companies such as DQ Entertainment," said Laurent Billion, COO Europe of The MoonScoop Group. "Each of our companies brings something unique to this agreement which will ultimately benefit not only our companies, but our broadcast and licensing partners, as well as the viewers of our content worldwide."
