The Jungle Book Gets Australian Pickup

HYDERABAD: DQ Entertainment (DQE) has signed an exclusive broadcast deal with ABC TV of Australia for the 52-episode animated series The Jungle Book, as well as a one-hour feature. 

The 3-D CGI series, adapted from Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale about the man-cub Mowgli, is set for launch in the third quarter of 2010 worldwide. Production partners include ZDF, TF1 Group and Moonscoop.

Tapaas Chakravarti, the chairman and CEO of DQE Group, said, "The acquisition of The Jungle Book series and the TV special by ABC TV Australia is strategically important for us as their reach and reputation means the interest from other territories and related business has quickened exponentially. This deal signed immediately after getting Disney channel of multiplexes for 29 countries and home-video deal for several countries with NBC Universal, have boosted the morale of high-quality artists and creators in DQE Group and its co-producers in France and Germany."

Barbara Uecker, the head of programming and acquisitions at ABC TV of Australia, added, “I am delighted that The Jungle Book has found its Australian home with ABC TV. The Jungle Book combines one of the most compelling children’s stories with a state-of-the-art animation giving it a new voice for a new generation. I have strong hopes for it and it’s an integral part of our 2010 lineup.”