DNA Interactive Signs Deal With Fremantlemedia Enterprises to Develop Mobile Game Based On Hit Television Show "Merlin"
DNA Dynamics, Inc. (Pink Sheets: DNAD), a global developer and publisher of mobile video games and applications, today announced that through its wholly-owned subsidiary, DNA Interactive Ltd, the Company has signed a worldwide licensing agreement with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, to design, develop and bring to market a new mobile game based on the hit television series "Merlin™".
Leveraging the international success and exciting storylines of Merlin, the television program, the game will be an episodic point-and-click fantasy-adventure game containing a mixture of puzzles, side missions and fun conversation throughout. Players will take control of the young Merlin on a quest to help Arthur and Guinevere. DNA will develop the game using its proprietary, cross-platform Rapid Application Development tool, the Slam Engine, and publish on the iOS® and Android™ platforms with a release slated for the first quarter of 2012.
Having invested in the Merlin series alongside UK broadcaster BBC One, FME holds the exclusive distribution, home entertainment and licensing rights to Merlin. FME has sold the television series, which was recently commissioned by the BBC for its fourth season, to over 52 broadcasters in 183 countries including SyFy in the United States, CTV in Canada, Network Ten in Australia, MICO in Japan and RTL in Germany. In addition, aside from its licensing agreement with DNA for mobile gaming apps, FME has also secured licensing deals to produce numerous other multi-territory Merlin-branded products, including a publishing range and action figurines.
Commenting on the deal, Ed Blincoe, CEO of DNA Interactive, stated, "We are thrilled to be bringing to iOS and Android gamers a fun, challenging and highly interactive gaming experience based on the much-loved Merlin brand. The television show currently entertains tens of millions of viewers worldwide. The wealth of content and global awareness of the brand is sure to contribute to the ultimate success of Merlin, the Game; and, in turn, positively impact DNA's revenue growth in the coming year."
Martin Ogden, Commercial Development Manager for FremantleMedia, added, "Merlin continues to grow in popularity all over the world and we are delighted to further extend our international licensing programme with Merlin, the Game, which offers fans of the series a new and exciting way to interact with the brand."
Launched in 2008, Merlin tells the story of young Merlin in Camelot as he comes to grips with his powers and destiny. The epic fourth series sees Camelot on the brink of a Golden Age as the familiar blend of magic, mystery and action adventure returns. With Morgana now a dangerous outcast, Merlin must use all his power to ensure that Arthur fulfils his destiny as the Once and Future King. No further details about plot or characters have been revealed for series five.
Merlin stars Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, Anthony Head as King Uther, Katie McGrath as Morgana, Angel Coulby as Gwen, Richard Wilson as Gaius and John Hurt as the voice of the Great Dragon. Series three and four have seen a host of high-profile guest-stars including: Emilia Fox, Tom Ellis, Miriam Margoyles, Warwick Davies, Nathaniel Parker and Pauline Collins. In addition series five has been announced and will go into production in 2012.
Merlin is made for BBC Cymru Wales by award-winning executive producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy from Shine TV Limited, with Bethan Jones as executive producer for the BBC.
Series 4 of Merlin is currently airing on Saturday nights on BBC 1 and filming of series 5 will begin in March 2012.
More information on Merlin
FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) holds the exclusive distribution (excluding UK), home entertainment and licensing rights to The Adventures of Merlin. FME has sold the series to over 52 broadcasters in more than 183 countries including Network Ten in Australia, Syfy in the US, MICO in Japan, Disney Channel in South America and Super RTL in Germany. FME has also secured licensing deals to produce numerous multi-territory Merlin branded extension including a publishing range, figurines, experiential events and consumer promotions. FME has invested in the Merlin series alongside UK broadcaster BBC One. The show is produced and created by Shine TV.
More information on FremantleMedia Enterprises and FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of the Super RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is in turn 90 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's major media and entertainment companies. FremantleMedia's worldwide production arm is responsible for many of the world's highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment programmes. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment around the world. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes talkbackTHAMES, UFA and Grundy amongst others) has operations in 22 countries, one of the most comprehensive global networks, creating nearly 10,000 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. FremantleMedia has some of the world's most sought after and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally, produces such programmes as: Idols (co-produced with 19 Productions in the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK), Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), Neighbours, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife and Hole In The Wall.
About DNA Interactive Ltd
Established in 2010, DNA Interactive, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DNA Dynamics, is a publisher of games and apps for mobile and tablet devices including iPhone®, iPad® and Android™ phones and tablets. At the present time, DNA Interactive's IP portfolio is comprised of proprietary game titles which include "Quest of Legends," "Jigsawium," "Legacy: Mystery Mansion," "Chess Crusades," and "Sudokium". Its licensed titles include "The Naked Gun™" and "Merlin™." For more information, please visit www.dna-interactive.com.
About DNA Dynamics, Inc.
Headquartered in Leamington Spa in the United Kingdom, DNA Dynamics is a worldwide developer and publisher of graphically rich, highly experiential interactive entertainment currently delivered on iOS®, Android™, Nintendo DS™ and Sony PSP® platforms. Through its operating subsidiaries, DNA Studios and DNA Interactive, the Company has created, acquired or licensed a portfolio of highly recognizable or emerging brands that broadly appeal to its consumer demographics, ranging from children to adults and casual gamers to serious enthusiasts. For more information, please go to www.dnadpk.com. You can also follow the Company on Facebook and Twitter.
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SOURCE DNA Dynamics, Inc.
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