Kids
DQE to reincarnate ‘The Jungle Book’ with German broadcaster ZDF
MUMBAI: Hyderabad-based animation, gaming and entertainment company DQ Entertainment (DQE) has partnered with German broadcaster ZDF and its distribution and licensing arm ZDF Enterprises to reincarnate Rudyard Kipling‘s ‘The Jungle Book‘ for the first time in high definition television series and television feature format.
The budget of the project is pegged at approximately €9 million (Rs 606.53 million) and will be funded through pre-sales and co-production deals across the globe.
‘The Jungle Book‘ deal will be led by DQE wherein the company will hold the majority global rights including television, distribution, home video, VoD, publishing and licensing and merchandising.
As co-producers, ZDF/ ZDF-E will have the right to appoint executive producers for the project with full editorial and distribution rights for Europe (excluding French, English and Irish territories), Middle East
and Latin America.
“This is a major milestone for the growth of DQE‘s home grown IP initiatives, and represents a bold step forward in terms of international production, licensing and distribution for our company,” said DQE Group chairman and CEO Tapaas Chakravarti.
To exploit the product in France and other French territories, DQE has collaborated with French broadcaster TF-1 Broadcasting and its distribution and licensing arm TF-1 Enterprises.
London-based NBC Universal, meanwhile, has been given the responsibility for distribution of the project‘s home video in territories such as UK, France, Australia, New Zealand and Japan while it is in advance negotiations for other territories also.
“Joining hands with ZDF Group of companies from Germany, TF-1 Group of companies from France and NBC Universal, London has added tremendous strength to the production of this brand Jungle Book,” Chakravarti quipped.
“This has almost guaranteed very strong distribution for all platform of television, video, VOD and merchandising in entire Europe, Middle East and Latin America while, Asian nations and North America are joining hands shortly,” added Chakravarti.
According to DQE, the company is currently in talks with other European and international distributors for co-production and acquisition deals for the forthcoming series.
The book will be visually translated into a 52 episode animated series wherein the first season of the 52×11 minute series will be delivered by 2010. This will be followed by a 60-minute TV feature.
Said ZDF international co-productions and acquisitions for children‘s and youth programming – head Nicole Keeb, “‘Jungle Book‘ is a classical property and with its modern 3D adaptation perfectly fits into ZDF‘s programming. We particularly like the idea that Mowgli and his friends will come to life in their homeland:INDIA.”
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
