DQ strucks a $100 million deal with Moonscoop
IMP News Wire, dated June 30, 2008

India's DQ Entertainment has struck a five-year co-production alliance said to be worth more than $100 million with Europe's Moonscoop Group.

DQ, which is listed on the Alternative Investment Market section of the London Stock Exchange, has large animation facilities in Hyderabad. Moonscoop is a privately held multinational with animation interests that range from production to merchandizing and distribution.

Deal, which follows a co-venture on "Casper's Scare School," envisages co-production of at least five TV series and two feature films with combined production budgets of more than $100 million.

One or more of the co-productions may feature Indian mythology and characters, which groups say are "becoming increasingly popular with audiences worldwide." The two companies also worked together on the "Fantastic Four" animated series based on the Marvel superhero characters.

Headed by Christophe and Benoit di Sabatino, Moonscoop was formed from the merger of France Animation and Antefilms Prods.

Operating companies include Mike Young Prods. in the U.S.; LuxAnimation of Luxembourg; distribution and licensing company Taffy Entertainment; and broadcast company MoonScoop Digital Media. Its key properties include "Code Lyoko," ''Titeuf" and "Casper."