ZDFE & DQE Pact for New 3D Series

MAINZ: ZDF Enterprises has signed a new agreement with DQ Entertainment for the 3D stereoscopic series 5 & It, based on a book by Edith Nesbit.

ZDF Enterprises will serve as the distributor for the show, which is being produced with a global budget of 9.2 million euros. ZDFE will hold the distribution rights in 64 countries, including Western and Eastern Europe—excluding French-speaking Europe, the U.K. and Ireland—South Africa and Latin America. DQE is in discussions with broadcasters worldwide for the show and expects to firm up deals soon.

5 & It follows the adventures of five children and a bizarre little sand fairy, a Psammead. The Psammead is an ancient, ugly and irritable creature they found in a gravel pit by their uncle’s beachfront mansion. The "It" grants them a wish a day, lasting until sunset. They soon learn that it’s difficult to make sensible wishes, with each one getting them into unexpected difficulties. The show is geared toward children 6 to 10.

Tapaas Chakravarti, the CEO and chairman at DQE, "The production of 5 & It in 3D stereoscopic animation has again proved DQE’s capability in producing world-class intellectual properties while expanding our business. We believe 5 & It will also go on to be a huge success like of our previous productions such as The Jungle Book and Peter Pan and will open various other revenue streams for exploitation. ZDF Enterprises and DQE have partnered in other international projects and this association has grown in strength with immense synergy between the partners. We hope to work with them in many other quality productions in the future."

Fred Burcksen, the VP of sales, merchandising and co-productions at ZDFE, added: "Our cooperation with DQE on The Jungle Book, Peter Pa and Lassie proves to be very effective. Being DQE’s partner again in 5 & It is only a natural next step in evolving this partnership and in ensuring that quality children programming is being produced and successfully being brought to broad audiences worldwide."