DQ Entertainment announces animation TV series on Lassie

Hyderabad based DQ Entertainment has announced the co-development of a multi-million Euro proposed animated TV series based on the legendary dog, Lassie. The animation, gaming and entertainment production and distribution group is partnering with Classic Media, Inc. - the owner of the Lassie brand and DQE's affiliate in France and Ireland, M6 from France and ZDF from Germany.

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 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 will unveil a classic "Lassie" postage stamp.

Tapaas Chakravarti Chairman & CEO of DQ Entertainment Plc commented on behalf of DQ Entertainment group and its French & Irish affiliates, "Our association as production and distribution partners with Classic Media after the successful debut of hi-end CGI Casper's Scare School now gets into another long term artistically and commercially fruitful relationship with the co-development of heart-warming TV series in 3D animation."