Award received for Young Adventures of Ibn Battuta Animation Series

Dubai, 27 March 2006 - Real Image, the leading animation and post-production studio in the region, won the Best Animation award recently at the Digital Studio Industry Leadership Awards 2006.  The award was won for the animation series pilot created for Ibn Battuta Mall, called The Young Adventures of Ibn Battuta.

The animation series was created and produced by octOpus, the Dubai-based integrated marketing and communications company. Real Image brought the character concepts to life through state-of-the-art animation techniques.

The award-winning Young Adventures of Ibn Battuta animation is a pilot for a full animated series that is soon to go in to production. The series is inspired by the journey of the famous Islamic explorer and scholar Ibn Battuta, seen through the eyes of a nine year old child.

Aiham Ajib, Creative Director, Real Image, said: "We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award for this project. The series is a positive move for the animation and post-production industry in Dubai. The project was Arabian led, created in Arabic and English and was created in Dubai."

He added: "Along with octOpus and Barry Kirsch Productinos (BKP), we look forward to soon bringing the series to life for the benefit of young children, not only in this region but throughout the world."

The Best Animation award is a great achievement for a Dubai-based company, being the first award of its kind for a company in the region. It is the third award within a year for Real Image, having won the Animation Techniques Award at the Digital Studio Industry Leadership Awards in 2005 and the Golden Award for Animation at the 11th Cairo Radio & TV Festival in July 2005.

Families can enjoy watching The Young Adventures of Ibn Battuta throughout Ibn Battuta Mall on the screens at mall map locations. The animation and other Young Adventures of Ibn Battuta merchandise can also be purchased at Ibn Battuta Mall at the kiosk outside Geant hypermarket.

For more information about the Young Adventures of Ibn Battuta, please visit www.ibnsadventures.com

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About Real Image
Real Image breaks boundaries of fantasy and reality through state-of-the-art animation to create characters, locations and entire worlds. Artfully blending a client's vision with our imagination, we work closely with clients to bring their ideas to life. Real Image can also add final touches to animation through its post-production services - from music scoring, sound effects and voice-overs to non-linear editing and other video effects. Visit Real Image at www.realimage.tv 

About octOpus
The octOpus team are the conceptual thinkers behind the Young Adventures of Ibn Battuta. A brand and communications consultancy, octOpus is committed to breaking down the boundaries across communication disciplines. At octOpus, we don't just offer clients a service but we go beyond client expectations by delivering unique and innovative communication solutions that provide a refreshing change to the norm.

About BKP
Barry Kirsch Productions (BKP) is the leading audio post production and music production company in the region, working with regional and international clients on practically every aspect of music/sound design and production, including composition of original soundtracks for TV, film and commercials using a comprehensive line-up of advanced audio post-production facilities. An established name in the industry, BKP is synonymous with some of the best-recognised soundtracks and sonic brands produced in the region over the last 15 years. It has branded some of Dubai's most iconic brands, including Dubai World Cup, DDIA, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Shopping Festival.

For more information, please contact:
Natalie Glorney
PR Manager
octOpus
T:+971 4 286 8275
F:+971 4 286 8283
e:natalie@octopusme.com
www.octopusme.com

© Press Release 2006