News Archive:
3D animated TV series based on Lassie
- The world’s most famous canine
DQE the Animation, Gaming and Entertainment production and distribution group and its holding company, DQ Entertainment plc, listed on AIM, LSE announced the co-development of a proposed animated TV series based on the popular character ‘Lassie’. With a global budget of Euro 8.37 million, envisaged by DQE, this iconic property is co-developed and being produced by DQE and Classic Media, USA the original rights owners, as a 52x11’ TV series. The project was green signaled by ABC Australia for acquisition and ZDF Group - the German broadcaster and distributor for sincere interest to come on board as a co-producer.
Lassie, a brave and loyal collie dog, first appeared in Eric Knight’s 1940 novel, Lassie Come-Home. She was so well received that, in 1943, MGM Studios debuted the canine heroine in her first silver-screen live-action appearance alongside Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, followed by 10 more feature films in the 40's and 50's —the first eight of which grossed over $285 million. Alongside Peter O’Toole, Samantha Morton and Peter Dinklage, in 2005, Lassie lit up the big screen in a critically-acclaimed new feature film.
In 1954, Lassie made her small-screen debut in an Emmy® Award-winning television series that continued to air for 19 seasons—making it one of longest-running series in television history. In total, Lassie has appeared in 691 television episodes airing continuously in more than 100 countries. She has also been the title character in a popular radio show and in books that have been published in multiple languages. She even has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Today, Lassie promotes pet health with her own all-natural line of dog food and treats, Lassie Natural Way™, and she remains a popular brand for merchandising and consumer products. In August 2009, the United States Postal Service unveiled a classic “Lassie” postage stamp.
Lassie is still the same beautiful collie - brave, loyal and super smart. But now she will be in dazzling 3-D CGI and for the first time in history…LASSIE Speaks!! She is all set to enter millions of homes and hearts once again - coming 2011.
Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQ Entertainment commented on behalf of DQ Entertainment group, “Our association with Classic Media, after the successful debut of hi-end CGI “Casper’s Scare School”, now gets into another long term artistically fruitful relationship with the co-development of this heart-warming TV series in 3D animation.
What makes Lassie’s new adventures fantastic and unique are the two realities in the series ‘The Human World’ and the ‘Animal World’. This endearing canine will win hearts and charm audiences all over again. We are happy to continue our long-term relationship with Classic Media Group to animate and bring to life brands like Casper and now Lassie! With a green light from ZDF Group & acquisition by ABC, Lassie is all set to debut worldwide by the beginning of summer 2011.”
