Following the international success of the animated series Dex Hamilton: Alien Entomologist, March Entertainment and Parthenon Kids have announced the release of a 90-minute movie prequel called Dex Hamilton: Fire and Ice.

With a stunning combination of 2D and cel-shaded 3D animation, Fire and Ice delves into the back-story of Dex, a passionate entomology student with a love of nature and adventure. When a swarm of strange, fiery insects threatens to destroy the Earth, Dex and his team of maverick entomologists have to save both the planet and the bugs themselves. The movie will premiere in Canada on the CBC in late December to be followed by the airing of the TV series in early 2010. Aimed at boys and girls 6 to 12 years old, the movie will also see limited theatrical release as well as DVD availability next year.

Dan Hawes, the show’s producer and CEO of March Entertainment, said: “We are very excited about the release of Dex Hamilton: Fire and Ice. It’s a fast-paced, action comedy that will have audiences laughing and gasping at the same time. It also provides some great insight into Dex’s universe answering the often asked questions. Who is this Dex Hamilton guy and where did he come from?”

Marie Chappelow, the commercial director for children’s brands at Parthenon Entertainment, which will be distributing the film globally, excluding Australia, New Zealand and North America, said: “Dex Hamilton has proved to be a success on both sides of the world. In addition to CBC in Canada, it’s currently the second most popular children’s show amongst 5- to 12-year-olds on Australia’s ABC network. The release of the movie will, I’m sure, create even more interest in Dex amongst international broadcasters.”

The Dex Hamilton franchise will expand further next spring with the release of an immersive, interactive browser-based game called Dex Quest.