DQ teams with French on 'Nicolas'

Indian co. developing TV series with M6, Method

By PATRICK FRATER

HONG KONG - India's DQ Entertainment has pacted with French companies M6 Studio and Method Animation to co-produce a TV series based on iconic property "Le Petit Nicolas."

An idealized childhood memory, "Nicolas," (aka Little Nick) was written in 1959 by "Asterix" creator Rene Goscinny and illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempe.

DQE, Method Animation and Luxanimation will execute the animated production of the tripartite series.   

"Adapting 'Little Nick,' for the small screen represents quite a challenge. The dialogue and humour of Goscinny are so unique and subtle and the graphic talent of Sempe is so sensitive, that we needed to surrender ourselves with the best artistic teams in the animation industry. The association of Method Animation and DQE on this great project is, for me, the best possible choice," head of children's programs at M6 and deputy manager of M6 Studio, Natalie Altmann said.

DQ and Method have previously co-produced shows including "Skyland," "Les Gnouf" and "Mikido." In February this year Indian-based, London-listed DQ bought a 20% equity stake in Method.

Separately, French shingle Fidelite Films is preparing a live-action adaptation of "Nicolas" with an all star cast headed by Fabrice Luchini,  Valerie Lemercier and Edouard Baer.