Endemol Adapting THE 99 Comic Books for TV

HILVERSUM,
November 25: Endemol and Kuwait-based publishing group Teshkeel Media are set
to co-produce a new animated series based on the superhero comic books THE 99, which have been widely
distribution throughout the Middle East, South Asia and Indonesia.

THE 99 comic book series
launched in 2006 and is illustrated and scripted by former and current Marvel
and DC Comics writers and artists whose credits include X-Men, Spider-Man, Superman, Iron Man, Batman and Power Rangers. The new animated series
will follow the adventures of the comic's superheroes, each of whom embody one
of 99 global values such as wisdom, mercy, strength or faithfulness, and come
from 99 different countries on seven continents.

Production
for the series will be overseen by Endemol U.K., with animation to be completed
in India and post-production in the U.K. Endemol International will hold the
worldwide TV, online, mobile and DVD distribution rights for the original
property.

Marco
Bassetti, Endemol's COO, said: "We are looking forward to partnering with
Teshkeel to bring to life this popular comic book series, which has been well
received in the Middle East, South Asia and Indonesia. The comic has captured
the imaginations of young people and we hope to achieve equal success
internationally with the animated series."

Dr.
Naif Al Mutawa, the founder and CEO of Teshkeel Media and creator of THE 99, added: "It's rare that an
idea born of a social premise can become even more successful as a business.
But when THE 99 comics premiered to
the acclaim of the worldwide media and the delight of the children they were
created to entertain, that is just what happened."

He
continued: "Bringing THE 99 to
homes around the world through its animated stories will fully implement the
power of an idea whose time has come. And doing this in partnership with
Endemol, a true world leader in worldwide syndicated television, will ensure
our success."

—By
Kristin Brzoznowski