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{{Short description|Former film and television production company}}
{{Distinguish|DIC Corporation|DC Entertainment}}
{{pp-sock|small=yes}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox company
| name = DIC Entertainment Corporation
| former_name = {{unbulleted list|DIC Audiovisuel (1971–1987, French studio)|DIC Enterprises, Inc. (1982–1993, U.S. studio)|DIC Animation City, Inc. (1985–1993)|DIC Entertainment, L.P. (1993–2002)|DIC Productions, L.P. (1994–2001)}}
| logo = [[File:DIC Entertainment 1987.svg|250px|class=skin-invert]]
| logo_caption = Logo used from 1987 to 2008
| logo_size =
| image = Dicentertainmentheadquarters.jpg
| image_caption = Former DIC headquarters in [[Burbank, California]]
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{LSE was|DEKEq.L}}
| industry = [[Animation]]
| fate = Merged with Cookie Jar Group
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1971}}
| founder = [[Jean Chalopin]]<ref name="Bruick">{{cite magazine|last=Bruick|first=Connie|date=May 10, 2010|title=The Influencer|url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/05/10/the-influencer|magazine=[[The New Yorker]]|access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref>
| defunct = {{End date and age|2008|7|23}}
| successor = '''American unit:'''<br>[[Cookie Jar Group]]<br>'''French unit:'''<br>[[Créativité et Développement]]
| ___location = [[Burbank, California]], U.S.<br />'''Former headquarters:'''<br />[[Paris]], France
| key_people = [[Andy Heyward]] (chairman and CEO)<ref name="Adelson">{{cite news|last=Adelson|first=Andrea|date=December 30, 1987|title=BUSINESS PEOPLE – For Maker of Cartoons, A Chance to Go Public|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/30/business/business-people-for-maker-of-cartoons-a-chance-to-go-public.html?scp=11&sq=the%20real%20ghostbusters&st=cse|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pfanner|first=Eric|title=Underdog takes shot at giants in kids television|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/19/technology/19iht-toon20.html?scp=6&sq=scrappy%20doo&st=cse&_r=0|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 19, 2006|access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref>
| products = [[Children's television series]]
| parent = {{ubl|[[RTL Group|Compagnie Luxembourgeoise de Télédiffusion]] (1971–1986)|[[Capital Cities/ABC|Capital Cities/ABC Video Enterprises, Inc.]] (1993–1995, limited partnership)|[[The Walt Disney Company]] (1995–2000, limited partnership)}}<!-- Do NOT add DHX Media here because it was folded into Cookie Jar Group, which was then acquired by DHX. -->
| divisions = {{Plainlist|
* DIC Consumer Products
* DIC Home Entertainment
* DIC Tune-Time Audio
}}
| subsid = {{Plainlist|
* [[WildBrain CPLG|Copyright Promotions Licensing Group]]
* DIC Entertainment Europe<ref>{{cite web|title=DIC ENTERTAINMENT EUROPE France – Business Profiles|url=https://businessprofiles.com/details/dic-entertainment-europe/FR-442540639|website=Business Profiles|access-date=March 23, 2013}}</ref>
* DIC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.<ref>{{cite web|title=DIC Entertainment Holdings Inc – Company Profile and News|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/DEKE:LN|website=[[Bloomberg News]]|access-date=March 23, 2013}}</ref>
* DIC Entertainment, L.P.
* DIC Productions, L.P.
}}
| homepage = {{URL|https://web.archive.org/web/20080108082244/http://www.dicentertainment.com/main.php|dicentertainment.com}} (archived January 8, 2008)
}}
{{WildBrain evolution}}
'''DIC Entertainment Corporation''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|d|iː|k}}; also known as '''DIC Audiovisuel''', '''DIC Enterprises''', '''DIC Animation City''', '''DIC Entertainment, L.P.''', and '''DIC Productions''', sometimes stylized as '''DİC''') was a French-American film and television [[production company]] that was mostly associated as an [[animation studio]]. As a former division of [[The Walt Disney Company]], DIC produced live-action feature films and licensed numerous [[anime]] series.
In 2008, DIC was acquired by [[Cookie Jar Group]] in June and was later folded into Cookie Jar in July. As of 2023, most of the [[List of DIC programs|DIC library]] is currently owned by [[WildBrain]] (formerly DHX Media) after the company acquired Cookie Jar in October 2012.
==History==
===1971–1982: DIC Audiovisuel===
Diffusion Information Communication (DIC) was founded in France in 1971 by [[Jean Chalopin]] as part of the Compagnie Luxembourgeoise de Télédiffusion (now [[RTL Group]]), a well-established media company. DIC primarily focused on producing television content.<ref name="Perlmutter">{{cite book|last1=Perlmutter|first1=David|title=America Toons In: A History of Television Animation|date=2014|isbn=9780786476503|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=riYXAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA207|pages=207–212|publisher=McFarland |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Bates">{{cite news|last1=Bates|first1=James|title=DiC, Computer Memories Plan Merger: Cartoon Maker Seeks Easy Way to Go Public|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-12-29-fi-31919-story.html|access-date=May 19, 2016|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=December 29, 1987}}</ref>
In 1981, DIC formed a partnership with [[TMS Entertainment|Tokyo Movie Shinsha]], a Japanese animation studio. As part of this collaboration, DIC assisted in animating several TMS programs, including the popular series ''[[Ulysses 31]]''. Additionally, DIC created an unaired pilot called ''[[Lupin the Third#Lupin VIII|Lupin VIII]]'' during this period.
This partnership between DIC and TMS continued until 1996, contributing to the production of numerous animated television shows and pilots.
===1982–1986: DIC Enterprises===
DIC Audiovisuel's U.S. division, DIC Enterprises, was established in April 1982 in [[Burbank, California]] by [[Andy Heyward]], a former writer at [[Hanna-Barbera]].<ref name="Bates"/> This division was created to adapt DIC productions into English for American audiences. DIC Enterprises focused on producing animated television content for both network broadcast and syndication.<ref name="Perlmutter"/> To reduce costs, DIC outsourced non-creative tasks overseas and employed staff on a per-program basis. Despite its success, some industry insiders referred to DIC as "Do It Cheap".<ref name="Perlmutter"/>
Under the direction of [[Bruno Bianchi (cartoonist)|Bruno Bianchi]] and Bernard Deyriès, DIC became known for its effective yet cost-conscious approach to animation production.<ref name="Perlmutter"/> Shortly after its formation, DIC introduced ''[[Inspector Gadget]]'', which became one of its most successful productions.<ref name="Bates"/> DIC also collaborated with toy and greeting card companies to develop character-based product lines that could be adapted into animated series, providing built-in advertisers and financial backers. With hits like ''[[Inspector Gadget (1983 TV series)|Inspector Gadget]]'', ''[[The Littles (TV series)|The Littles]]'', and ''[[Heathcliff (1984 TV series)|Heathcliff]]'', DIC became profitable.<ref name="Bates2">{{cite news|last1=Bates|first1=James|title=Huge Debt Keeps Pressure on DIC to Keep Turning Out Animated TV Hits: Cartoon Firm Deals Way to Top|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-03-08-fi-728-story.html|access-date=May 19, 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 8, 1988}}</ref>
In 1983, DIC established its own animation facility in Japan, known as K.K. DIC Asia, to handle animation production for its shows independently. Despite facing a unionization effort in 1984, DIC remained the only non-union animation firm. Over time, DIC expanded its operations through syndication deals with companies like [[Lexington Broadcast Services Company|LBS Communications]], [[Columbia Pictures Television]], and Access Syndication. Additionally, DIC secured home video rights for its shows through agreements with [[Lorimar Television#Home video|Karl-Lorimar Home Video]], [[20th Century Home Entertainment|CBS/Fox Video]] in the US, [[BBC Studios Home Entertainment|The Video Collection]] in Great Britain<ref name="Adelson" /><ref name="Perlmutter" /><ref name="bc">{{cite news |date=January 6, 1986 |title=The Hot Team. The Hot Programs. The New Hot Weekend Network for Kids. |pages=8–9 |work=Broadcasting (LBS ad) |url=http://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1986/BC-1986-01-06.pdf |access-date=May 19, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=August 20, 1986 |title=DIC Fields 8-Pack Through LBS; Dennis Will Menace Again |pages=51, 74 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> and Access Syndication.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 12, 1986 |title=DIC, Access Team On 3 New Kidvids |pages=40, 74 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Melanson |first=James |date=September 10, 1986 |title=LBS Enterprises Division Plans To Market Videocassettes |pages=56, 58 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=November 26, 1986|title=CBS/Fox To Bow Animated 'Menace'|page=40|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
===1987–1993: Move to North America===
Between late 1986 and 1987, Heyward, in collaboration with investors [[Bear Stearns|Bear Stearns & Co.]] and [[Prudential Financial|Prudential Insurance Co.]], acquired Chalopin and the Compagnie Luxembourgeoise de Télédiffusion's 52% stake in DIC, resulting in the transformation of DIC into DIC Animation City, Inc.<ref name="Adelson" /><ref name="lat1">{{cite news |date=August 22, 1989 |title=Prudential Increases Stake in DIC Animation City |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-08-22-fi-856-story.html |access-date=May 19, 2016}}</ref> This acquisition, amounting to $70 million in a leveraged buyout, relocated the company's headquarters to the United States.<ref name="Adelson"/><ref name="Bates2"/> Following the transaction, key personnel such as Chalopin, Bianchi, Deyriès, and producer Tetsuo Katayama departed DIC, making way for Robby London and Michael Maliani to assume pivotal roles within the organization.<ref name="Adelson"/> Additionally, Chalopin retained control of DIC's original offices in France and its Japanese animation facility, establishing the entity [[Créativité et Développement]] (C&D) in 1987 to continue producing animated content. Meanwhile, the Japanese studio was renamed K.K. C&D Asia, operating until 1996.<ref name="DiOrio">{{cite magazine|first=Carl |last=DiOrio |url=https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/bain-backing-buyout-of-dic-1117786555/|title=Bain backing buyout of DiC |magazine=Variety |date=September 18, 2000 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Isola">{{cite web |url=http://www.isola-capital.com/about-us/heritage/deltec-international-group |title=Deltec International Group |publisher=Isola Capital |access-date=January 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062042/http://www.isola-capital.com/about-us/heritage/deltec-international-group |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Subsequent to the buyout, DIC encountered significant financial indebtedness, partly stemming from their competitive strategy of underbidding on projects to outmaneuver rival animation firms, coupled with an overestimation of the market demand for children's television shows. Consequently, DIC's debt escalated, prompting the sale of foreign rights to their library to [[BVS Entertainment|Saban Productions]] in 1987, which were later transferred to Chalopin's C&D.<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 18, 1987|title=NBC-TV Takes 2 Kidvids Off Saban Prods.' Hands|page=47|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> This transaction strained the relationship between DIC and Saban, leading to legal disputes culminating in a settlement in 1991. Despite these challenges, DIC expanded its collaborations, partnering with [[NBC]] and [[Coca-Cola Telecommunications]] to produce and distribute television programs.<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 28, 1987|title=Tribune & DIC Link With Coca-Cola Unit|pages=44, 54|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> DIC also ventured into toy manufacturing with the introduction of the Old MacDonald talking toyline.
Amidst legal battles and strategic maneuvers, DIC continued to navigate the evolving landscape of the animation industry. Legal disputes with [[Family Home Entertainment]] and LBS/Lorimar Home Video were resolved, paving the way for DIC to forge partnerships with Golden Book Video and pursue distribution agreements with Bohbot Communications.<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 11, 1987|title=DIC Sues FHE|page=46|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> Furthermore, DIC diversified its international collaborations, teaming up with [[Mediaset|Reteitalia, S.p.A.]] and [[Telecinco]], among others, to co-produce animated content. By the early 1990s, DIC expanded its operations to include subsidiaries such as Rainforest Entertainment and embarked on educational initiatives.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 2, 1987 |title=DIC Kidvid Strips Prepped For '88 |pages=44, 73 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
DIC's growth trajectory was marked by a landmark licensing agreement with [[Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment|Buena Vista Home Video]] in 1993, facilitating the distribution of over 1,000 half-hours of animated content and the establishment of a dedicated home video label.<ref>{{cite news |title=Disney signs licensing deal for DIC library |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/07/12/Disney-signs-licensing-deal-for-DIC-library/9809742449600/ |access-date=February 10, 2021 |work=[[United Press International]] |date=July 7, 1993}}</ref> This deal bolstered DIC's presence in the home entertainment market, heralding a new phase of expansion and consolidation within the animation industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=JoeGuide.com - G.I.Joe Interviews > Buzz Dixon (conducted by David Thornton in November 2000) |url=http://joeguide.com/interviews/buzzdixon.shtml |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=joeguide.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=April 20, 1987|title=Saturday slate|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/87-OCR/BC-1987-04-20-OCR-Page-0059.pdf|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 3, 1987 |title=LBS And DIC Settle Lawsuit On Kideo Vid |pages=61, 76 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> DIC subsequently signed a deal with [[Golden Book Video]] to market titles under the DIC Video brand.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 29, 1987 |title=Convention Capsules |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Billboard-Index/IDX/1987/1987-08-29-Billboard-Page-0003.pdf |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref><ref name="bc0">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=CBN sets DiC programing block for fall |url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-06-19.pdf |magazine=Broadcasting |date=June 19, 1989 |access-date=December 27, 2016 |pages=39–40}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=May 14, 1990|title=DiC Enterprises gets animated with new tour|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-05-14-OCR-Page-0038.pdf|access-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=August 24, 1992|title=Independent suppliers chase new opportunities|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/92-OCR/BC-1992-08-24-OCR-Page-0108.pdf|access-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=McCormick|first=Moira|date=September 5, 1992|title=Rincon Pacts With DIC; Disney Bows New Sales Line|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Billboard-Index/IDX/1992/1992-09-05-Billboard-Page-0058.pdf|access-date=October 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=DIC forms new education unit |url=https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/dic-forms-new-education-unit-107671/ |access-date=February 11, 2021|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=June 10, 1993}}</ref>
=== 1993–2000: Limited partnerships===
During the early 1990s, DIC attracted attention within the industry. The company engaged in discussions regarding a potential merger and buyout with [[PolyGram]] and [[Capital Cities/ABC]], but no agreements materialized with either entity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1992-04-21 |title=Down but Not Out: Cartoons: Insiders say the growth of cable, syndication and home video can help DIC Enterprises survive NBC's pullout from animated fare. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-04-21-fi-729-story.html |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
In July 1993, DIC Animation City began the establishment of a limited partnership with Capital Cities/ABC Video Enterprises, Inc., forming a joint venture named DIC Entertainment, L.P.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Brian |last=Lowry |url=https://variety.com/1993/tv/news/dic-ent-formed-for-kids-tv-fare-108945/ |title=DiC Ent. formed for kids TV fare |magazine=Variety |date=July 26, 1993 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref> This venture aimed to oversee DIC's production library and supply content for international distribution through CAVE. DIC Animation City held 95% of the shares, while CAVE held the remaining 5%. At the end of the year, the two companies formed another Delaware limited partnership called DIC Productions, L.P., with Capital Cities/ABC holding a 95% majority stake and Heyward retaining the remaining 5%. Both limited partnerships became the successor to the former parent company DIC Animation City,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sec.report/Document/0000950130-94-000530/|title = Capital Cities ABC Inc /Ny/ 1993 10-K Annual report}}</ref> coinciding with the relocation of DIC's headquarters to a larger facility in Burbank, California.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://businessprofiles.com/details/dic-entertainment-l-p/DE-2342781|title=DIC ENTERTAINMENT, L.P. Delaware - THE CORPORATION TRUST COMPANY - Business Profiles}}</ref>
DIC continued its expansion and diversification efforts throughout the early 1990s. In November 1993, it established DIC Interactive, a multimedia unit.<ref>{{cite news |title=DIC's getting interactive |url=https://variety.com/1993/scene/people-news/dic-s-getting-interactive-116006/ |access-date=February 11, 2021|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=November 21, 1993}}</ref> Subsequently, the company ventured into live-action television production in 1994. In response to the success of Saban's ''[[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'', DIC collaborated with [[Tsuburaya Productions]] to adapt the Japanese series ''[[Gridman the Hyper Agent]]'' into ''[[Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad]]''. DIC also initiated partnerships in China and engaged in syndication agreements with SeaGull Entertainment. In 1995, DIC also produced an English dub of the Japanese anime ''[[Sailor Moon (TV series)|Sailor Moon]].'' <ref>{{Cite news|date=December 20, 1993|title=More 'Power' to them|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/93-OCR/BC-1993-12-20-Page-0038.pdf|access-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=February 7, 1994|title=In Brief|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/94-OCR/BC-1994-02-07-Page-0064.pdf|access-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref><ref name="hb">{{cite web|url=http://business.highbeam.com/3610/article-1G1-15738642/abc-dic-target-children-china-twoform-programing-venture |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113153508/http://business.highbeam.com/3610/article-1G1-15738642/abc-dic-target-children-china-twoform-programing-venture |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 13, 2014 |title=ABC, DiC target children in China; two-form programing venture to create kids programing channels there |date=August 22, 1994 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=November 14, 1994|title=SeaGull establishes beachhead|work=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]]|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/94-OCR/BC-1994-11-14-Page-0026.pdf|access-date=October 16, 2021}}</ref>
In July 1995, [[The Walt Disney Company]] intended to buy Capital Cities/ABC and all of its assets, including DIC. That October, DIC began planning to establish an animation studio in France in partnership with Hamster Productions. Following the completion of the merger between Capital Cities/ABC and Disney in January 1996, DIC became a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Subsequently, DIC collaborated closely with Disney, launching DIC Films and signing a first-look deal with [[Walt Disney Pictures]] in 1996.<ref name="Disney acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC Inc.">{{cite news|title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS;Disney and ABC Shareholders Solidly Approve Merger Deal|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/05/business/the-media-business-disney-and-abc-shareholders-solidly-approve-merger-deal.html|author=Geraldine Fabrikant|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=5 January 1996|access-date=July 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1995/scene/markets-festivals/dic-hamster-to-share-paris-animation-firm-99128652/|title=DIC, Hamster to share Paris animation firm|work=Variety|date=October 9, 1995}}</ref><ref name="DIC's deal goosed">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1998/film/news/dic-s-deal-goosed-1117468947/|title = DIC's deal goosed|date = March 20, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/dic-eyes-euro-market-1117342351/|title=DIC eyes Euro market|first1=Michael|last1=Mallory|date=March 24, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/tex-avery-rides-again-1116677622/|title=Tex Avery rides again|first1=Michael|last1=Mallory|date=September 15, 1997}}</ref>
In March 1997, DIC's French animation studio commenced operations as Les Studios Tex S.A.R.L. DIC continued its expansion into various markets and mediums, extending its first-look deal with Walt Disney Pictures in March 1998 and commencing the launch of its direct-to-video division the following month. Additionally, DIC secured a programming agreement with [[Ion Television|Pax TV]] during this period.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/mag/issue2.3/issue2.3pages/news2.3.html|title=June 1997 News|website=www.awn.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Jackson|first1=Wendy|title=DiC Is Developing Direct-To-Video.|url=https://www.awn.com/mag/issue3.1/3.1pages/3.1news.html|access-date=July 2, 2016|work=Animation World News|issue=1|publisher=Animation World Network|date=April 1998|volume=3}}</ref><ref name="awm">{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/mag/issue3.2/3.2pages/3.2television.html |title=Toon Disney Launch - UPN To Air Disney Block |publisher=Animation World Network |date=May 1998 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=CARMAN |first=JOHN |date=1998-08-28 |title=PAX Going For Piece Of TV Pie |url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/pax-going-for-piece-of-tv-pie-2994282.php |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== 2000–2004: Return to independence ===
In September 2000, Andy Heyward, backed by investment firms [[Bain Capital]] and [[CCMP Capital|Chase Capital Partners]], began to purchase DIC from The Walt Disney Company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/dic-management-buy-dic-disney|title=DIC Management to Buy DIC from Disney}}</ref> Disney agreed to sell back the company and the deal was closed on November 25,<ref name="DiOrio"/><ref>{{cite magazine|first=Charles |last=Lyons |url=https://variety.com/2000/biz/news/dic-plays-new-toon-1117789392/ |title=DIC plays new toon |magazine=Variety |date=November 19, 2000 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref> officially allowing DIC to produce shows alone again without the limitations of Disney, coinciding with the relaunch of DIC's international sales division at [[MIPCOM]] that year.
In 2001, DIC planned to return to the home video market, by forming a new division titled DIC Home Entertainment; they intended to begin releasing products starting that May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2001/02/01/30694-20010201/|title = DIC returns to home video}}</ref> This was delayed due to DIC's issues in finding a distribution partner, which eventually happened in July when DIC signed a deal with [[Starz Entertainment|Lions Gate Home Entertainment]] for North American distribution of DIC Home Entertainment products.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2001/07/01/30920-20010701/|title = DIC gets busy in books and vids}}</ref> In June, DIC planned a purchase of [[Western Publishing|Golden Books Family Entertainment]] for $170 million, but they eventually backed out of the deal due to the high costs of the purchase; the company was instead co-purchased by [[Random House]] for the book rights and [[DreamWorks Classics|Classic Media]] for the entertainment rights.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2001/BUSINESS/08/16/goldenbooks.re/ |title=Golden Books sold for poky little $84M - Aug. 16, 2001 |work=CNN |access-date=July 24, 2022}}</ref>
In July 2002, DIC purchased the Mommy & Me preschool label.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2002/07/01/mommy-20020701/|title = DIC enters the infant lifestyle brand fray with Mommy & Me}}</ref>
In January 2003, DIC announced three syndicated children's programming E/I blocks called [[Cookie Jar Kids Network|DIC Kids Network]].<ref name="Oei1">{{cite magazine|first=Lily |last=Oei |url=https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/dic-offers-kidvid-blocks-1117879607/ |title=DIC offers kidvid blocks |magazine=Variety |date=January 28, 2003 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Oei2">{{cite magazine|first=Lily |last=Oei |url=https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/dic-sets-3-hours-of-kid-programs-1117890788/ |title=DiC sets 3 hours of kid programs |magazine=Variety |date=August 12, 2003 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref> In April, DIC sued [[Speed Racer#Speed Racer Enterprises|Speed Racer Enterprises]], alleging that SRE had sub-licensed the worldwide exploitation rights for ''[[Speed Racer]]'' to DIC the previous year and then ended the agreement without DIC knowing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-04-25/more-on-speed-racer-lawsuit|title = More on Speed Racer Lawsuit| date=June 12, 2023}}</ref> Later in July, DIC signed a television production deal with [[POW! Entertainment]] for ''Stan Lee's Secret Super Six'', a series about teens with alien superpowers who are taught about humanity by Lee, but this show never made it to air.<ref>{{cite web|last=DeMott |first=Rick |url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/pow-stan-lee-reloaded |title=POW! Stan Lee Reloaded |publisher=Animation World Network |date=June 26, 2003 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref>
===2004–2008: Going public and final years===
In 2004, Heyward acquired Bain Capital's share in DIC Entertainment and subsequently oversaw the company's public offering on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market in 2005, trading under the symbol DEKEq.L.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.awn.com/news/dic-goes-public-uk|title = DIC Goes Public in the U.K.|newspaper=Animation World Network}}</ref> In March 2006, DIC regained international rights to 20 of its shows from The Walt Disney Company and [[Jetix Europe]], previously owned by Disney since their acquisition of Saban Entertainment in 2001. The same month, DIC acquired the [[WildBrain CPLG|Copyright Promotions Licensing Group]] (CPLG) and welcomed Jeffrey Edell as president and COO.
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/dic-re-acquires-20-of-its-animated-shows-from-disney/|title=DIC Re-Acquires 20 of Its Animated Shows from Disney|first=Ramin|last=Zahed|date=March 23, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=200706190954206004Y|title = Investegate |DIC Entertainment Announcements | DIC Entertainment: Earn-out and Share Options}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/44731/jeffrey-edell.html|title = Jeffrey Edell}}</ref>
DIC, [[AOL]]'s KOL, and [[CBS Corporation]] joined forces to introduce a new three-hour programming block for Saturday mornings on CBS called KOL Secret Slumber Party on September 15, 2006. A year later, on the same date, DIC, CBS, and [[American Greetings]] launched another programming block named KEWLopolis.<ref name="Paoletta">{{cite magazine|last1=Paoletta|first1=Michaal|title=Pre-Fabulous?|magazine=Billboard|date=August 12, 2006|volume=118|issue=32|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lw0EAAAAMBAJ&q=KOL+Secret+Slumber+Party&pg=PA9|access-date=November 3, 2004}}</ref><ref name="Ball">{{cite magazine|first=Ryan |last=Ball |url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/cbs-blocks-out-kewlopolis/ |title=CBS Blocks out KEWLopolis |magazine=Animation Magazine |date=August 23, 2007 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref>
In April 2007, DIC Entertainment, [[Nelvana]], and [[NBCUniversal International Networks|NBC Universal Global Networks]] announced the establishment of [[KidsCo]], an international children's entertainment network. That October, DIC filed a lawsuit against the Dam company, alleging fraud and negligent misrepresentation regarding Dam's [[troll doll]] and DIC's ''[[Trollz (TV series)|Trollz]]'' television series, which was created under a license from Dam. Dam counter-sued DIC, accusing the company of misrepresenting its financial status and harming the troll doll's image and reputation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=200704030701202871U |title=DiC Entertainment: Creation of KidsCo |publisher=InvestEgate |date=April 3, 2007 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2007/10/25/dic-20071025/|title=DIC Entertainment slaps Troll Company with US$20 million lawsuit}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eleconomista.es/empresas-finanzas/noticias/305539/10/07/Lawsuit-Charges-Fraud-In-Deals-for-Iconic-Troll-Doll-DIC-Entertainment-Cynically-Concealed-Financial-Woes.html |title=Lawsuit Charges Fraud In Deals for Iconic Troll Doll; DIC Entertainment ''Cynically Concealed'' Financial Woes - 31/10/07 - 305539 |publisher=elEconomista.es |date=October 31, 2007 |access-date=June 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720141033/http://www.eleconomista.es/empresas-finanzas/noticias/305539/10/07/Lawsuit-Charges-Fraud-In-Deals-for-Iconic-Troll-Doll-DIC-Entertainment-Cynically-Concealed-Financial-Woes.html |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
===2008–2012: Cookie Jar Group merger and DHX Media===
In June 2008, DIC Entertainment and Canadian media company [[Cookie Jar Group]] announced a merger valued at $87.6 million. President [[Jeffrey Scott Edell|Jeffrey Edell]] played a key role in finalizing the deal, which was completed on July 23 of the same year. Following the merger, DIC became a subsidiary of Cookie Jar, and the company was subsequently folded into Cookie Jar's operations. DIC Entertainment Corporation was rebranded as Cookie Jar Entertainment (USA) Inc. In 2012, Cookie Jar was acquired by [[WildBrain|DHX Media]].<ref>{{cite web|author1=B&C Staff|title=Cookie Jar, DIC Entertainment to Merge|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/cookie-jar-dic-entertainment-merge/32594|website=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=January 27, 2016|date=June 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Cookie Jar, DIC Merge |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/cookie-jar-dic-merge/ |access-date=February 11, 2021|work=[[Animation Magazine]] |date=June 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cjar.com/press/cj_press_20080723a.php |title=COOKIE JAR ENTERTAINMENT EXPANDS BRAND PORTFOLIO, TALENT AND GLOBAL REACH WITH CLOSING OF DIC TRANSACTION |work=Cookie Jar Group |date=July 23, 2008 |access-date=December 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531231944/http://www.cjar.com/press/cj_press_20080723a.php |archive-date=May 31, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2012/10/23/dhx-purchase-of-cookie-jar-completed/ |last1=Sylvian |first1=Matthew |title=DHX purchase of Cookie Jar completed |publisher=KidScreen |date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=May 31, 2016}}</ref>
The DIC Kids Network was renamed Cookie Jar Kids Network in 2009 and ceased operations in 2011. Cookie Jar also produced the final season of ''[[Sushi Pack]]'', one of DIC's last shows, which aired until 2009. [[Cookie Jar TV|KEWLopolis]] on CBS was renamed Cookie Jar TV in 2009 and closed down in 2013, replaced by [[CBS WKND|CBS Dream Team]]. [[Cookie Jar Toons]], a block on [[This TV]] featuring shows from Cookie Jar and DIC, ran from 2008 to 2013. In 2014, Cookie Jar ceased operations.
==Programming blocks==
DIC operated many programming blocks for various television stations across the United States.
''[[Kideo TV]]'' was an anthology series that was produced as a joint-venture between DIC Enterprises and their US syndicator [[Lexington Broadcast Services Company|LBS Communications]], with [[Mattel]] handling sponsorships.<ref name="Perlmutter"/> The block aired on syndicated television stations, with Metromedia stations agreeing to carry the block by January 1986,<ref name="bc"/> and launched in April of the same year.<ref name="Perlmutter"/><ref name="bc"/> Kideo TV aired for 90 minutes and consisted of live-action material with three cartoons from DIC's library used as framing material. ''[[Rainbow Brite]]'', ''[[Popples (1986 TV series)|Popples]]'' and ''[[Ulysses 31]]'' first aired on the block, while ''[[The Get Along Gang]]'' and ''[[Lady Lovely Locks]]'' were added later on.<ref name="Perlmutter"/> The "Kideo" brand was also used by LBS as a joint-venture home video line which released various DIC cartoons on VHS.
''Weekend Funday'' was a 90-minute weekend strand produced by DIC that was syndicated through [[Coca-Cola Telecommunications]] during the Fall of 1987. Weekend Funday normally ran on Sundays under the name of ''Funday Sunday'', but it would also run on Saturdays as ''Funtastic Saturday'', if it wanted to go head-to-head with the other kidvid blocks.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1987-01-28|title=Tribune & DIC Link With Coca-Cola Unit|pages=44, 54|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> It consisted of various half-hour cartoons from the DIC lineup, including ''[[Sylvanian Families (1987 TV series)|Sylvanian Families]]'' and ''[[Starcom: The U.S. Space Force]]''.
''Funtown'' was a daily children's programming block on the [[Freeform (TV channel)|CBN Family Channel]] that launched on September 11, 1989. It ran for 26 hours a week, broadcasting from 7:00am–9:00am on weekdays, and 8:00am–11:00am and 4:00pm–6:00pm on weekends. DIC handled the advertising sales of the block, while the CBN Family Channel handled the distribution and marketing. The lineup of shows was a mix of formats, from live-action-animated hybrids to live-action, and programs ranging from original to off-network shows, whether produced by DIC or other companies. In addition, a companion club program was supposed to be developed. DIC also planned to produce four specials each quarter with the launching of Funtown, combined with the others, mostly holiday specials, for the fourth quarter of 1989, but nothing came out of these initial plans.<ref name="bc0"/>
''Dragon Club'' (Chinese: ''小神龙俱乐部'' (<small>''Little Dragon Club''</small>)) was a daily television strand operated and distributed through [[Capital Cities/ABC]] through various syndicated television stations in China. It launched on September 19, 1994, and broadcast various DIC and ABC programs in addition to third-party, live-action and local offerings.<ref name="hb"/> After the Disney purchase of Capital Cities/ABC, the strand transitioned to airing Disney-produced content and continued to broadcast until the start of 2019. ''Panda Club'' (Chinese: ''熊猫俱乐部'') was the short-lived sister strand of ''Dragon Club'' that launched on October 2, 1994, and broadcast on a smaller selection of stations. Its programming was similar to that of Dragon Club, and broadcast until 1999.
''Freddy's Firehouse'' (FFH) was a planned [[Children's television series|children's]] [[Educational program|educational]] [[Block programming|programming block]] that would broadcast various programs from DIC Entertainment's library, initially announced in May 1998. In the United States, it was planned to air on [[Ion Television|Pax TV]] after DIC signed a deal with the broadcaster to become the exclusive supplier of animated programming on the network. The plan was for the block to run on weekends, running for three hours on Saturday and two hours on Sunday. [[Disney Platform Distribution|Buena Vista International Television]] handled syndication sales, and would also allow for the strand to be sold to other outlets internationally.<ref name="awm"/><ref>{{cite magazine|first=Richard |last=Katz |url=https://variety.com/1998/biz/news/paxson-dic-in-kidstuff-deal-for-pax-net-1117469438/ |title=Paxson, DIC in kidstuff deal for Pax Net |magazine=Variety |date=April 2, 1998 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref> The block was rejected in favor of Pax producing the children's block in-house, with "Cloud 9" (later renamed "Pax Kids") launching with Pax TV on August 31, 1998, and broadcasting until the end of the contract with DIC in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|first=John |last=Carman |url=http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/PAX-Going-For-Piece-Of-TV-Pie-2994282.php |title=PAX Going For Piece Of TV Pie |publisher=SFGate |date=August 28, 1998 |access-date=January 27, 2016}}</ref>
National and syndicated broadcast blocks include:
* DiC Kids Network: a set of three syndicated children's programming E/I blocks launched on September 1, 2003.<ref name="Oei1"/><ref name="Oei2"/>
* KOL Secret Slumber Party: a three-hour long block launched on September 16, 2006, a programming block with partner KOL ([[AOL]]'s kids online).<ref name="Paoletta"/>
* KEWLopolis: launched on September 15, 2007, a programming block with partner [[American Greetings]].<ref name="Ball"/>
==Filmography==
{{main|List of DIC programs}}
==See also==
* [[Cookie Jar TV]]
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links==
* {{official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20080108082244/http://www.dicentertainment.com/main.php}} (archived January 8, 2008)
* [https://archive.today/20121208161425/http://www.bcdb.com/cartoons/Other_Studios/D/DiC_Entertainment/index.html DiC Entertainment Cartoons] at the [[Big Cartoon Database]]
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