DIC in JV with Thomopoulos for “Positive Values” Content

BURBANK, July 11: DIC Entertainment has formed a joint
venture with Thomopoulos Productions to form Promise Media Productions, which
aims to develop and distribute “positive value” content for kids.

Promise Media Productions will
develop original live-action and animated branded content for the faith-based
and secular markets, and will acquire properties with strong brand recognition
for distribution across film, television, home entertainment, new media and
consumer products platforms.

The Promise Media-branded
content will emphasize values such as “faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice,
fortitude and temperance.” Projects in the works include an animated version of
Black Beauty, based on Anna Sewell's
classic novel. Also being developed is an animated remake of Ben Hur, as well as original live-action theatrical
production Angel Flight For Life.
The live-action children's DVD series, Zakland, produced in association with Jay Silverman
Productions, showcases Zak Norman, an award winning musical performer and
writer. The Animated Adventures of Sophie and Sam is based on the Sophie and Sam illustrated children's book. The Jammies
of Harmonyville is a television series
produced in association with Believe Entertainment that utilizes original music
and CGI animation. And Noah's Hope
is an animated comedy adventure featuring a nineteen-year-old scientist and his
animal friends who are concerned about environmental issues.

"The multi-billion dollar
market for positive values entertainment continues to rapidly grow, and Andy
[Heyward, the chairman and CEO of DIC] and I recognized a tremendous
opportunity in this underserved marketplace to create and deliver high-quality
product that resonates with faith-based values," said Tony Thomopoulous,
the president of Thomopoulos Productions. Thomopoulous spent 12 years at ABC
and is a former chief of United Artists Pictures, Amblin Entertainment and MTM
Entertainment.

"We know there is a vast
demand for content that showcases positive values and celebrates the triumph of
the human spirit, and we plan to apply our entertainment and consumer products'
expertise to promote positive values for kids," added Heyward. "Tony is a respected industry
veteran whose patina of quality and stature of his career is unparalleled, and
we plan to set the gold standard in this market with the Promise Media
label."

Promise Media Productions is
currently forming an Advisory Board that will be comprised of leading media
experts and educators, including clinical psychologist, author and leadership
consultant Dr. Henry Cloud.