Tag: dreamworks animation

KUNG FU PANDA 3, THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 & 3, TURBO Among DreamWorks Animation’s 2013-2016 Releases


TURBO

Get your movie calendars out. Twentieth Century Fox has unveiled DreamWorks Animation’s feature film release slate for 2013 to 2016, which includes twelve CG animated films in four years – a major industry first. For those of you who are keen to the animation genre, below is a look ahead at what you’re in store for. I’m very excited to see what these unique filmmakers produce – some of these lovable characters and movies like DRAGON, PANDA and PENGUINS look to be franchises that people will embrace for a long time to come.

The following DreamWorks Animation films will be distributed by Fox along with additional detail on each of DreamWorks Animation’s 2013-2016 releases:

The Croods will be released on March 22, 2013. It is being written and directed by Academy-Award® nominee Chris Sanders (How to Train Your Dragon) and Kirk DeMicco (Space Chimps) and produced by Kristine Belson (How to Train Your Dragon) and Jane Hartwell (Shrek). The film stars Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener, Clark Duke, and Cloris Leachman. When their cave is destroyed, the Crood family is forced to embark on an epic adventure into a pre-historic world in search of a new home. With the help of a brash, know-it-all nomad named Guy, the Croods learn to conquer their fears and discover what it takes to survive – each other.

Turbo will be released on July 19, 2013. It is based on an original idea by David Soren (Merry Madagascar), who is directing the film. It is produced by Lisa Stewart (Monsters vs. Aliens). Soren is writing the script with Robert Siegel (The Wrestler) andDarren Lemke (Shrek Forever After). The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena, Luis Guzmán, Bill Hader, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong, Michelle Rodriguez, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz, Kurtwood Smith, Snoop Lion and Samuel L. Jackson. Turbo is the story of a garden snail with an impossible dream: to win the Indy 500. When a freak accident gives him extraordinary speed, Turbo sets out to try to make this dream come true.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman will be released on November 1, 2013. It is directed by Rob Minkoff (Stuart Little, The Lion King) and produced by Alex Schwartz (Journey to the Center of the Earth, Bridge to Terabithia) and Denise Cascino (Megamind, Shrek the Third). Bullwinkle Studios’ Tiffany Ward and Classic Media’s Eric Ellenbogen are executive producers, along with Jason Clark (Monster House, Stuart Little). It is being written by Craig Wright (United States of Tara, Six Feet Under). The film stars Emmy Award® winner Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Stephen Colbert, Emmy Award® winner Allison Janney, Ariel Winter and Stephen Tobolowsky. Based on Jay Ward’s classic cartoon, Mr. Peabody is the world’s smartest person who happens to be a dog. When his “pet” boy Sherman uses their time traveling WABAC machine without permission, events in history spiral out of control to disastrous and comical results.

In Me and My Shadow, which will be released on March 14, 2014, the studio will pioneer a groundbreaking combination of CG and traditional animation techniques seamlessly together throughout the film. Animation veteran Alessandro Carloni (How to Train Your Dragon) will make his directorial debut and Melissa Cobb (Kung Fu Panda, Kung Fu Panda 2) will produce. Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember (Get Smart) are writing the screenplay. The film stars Josh Gad, Bill Hader and Kate Hudson. Dan, our hero’s shadow, yearns for a more exciting life but happens to be stuck with Daniel Grubb, a timid guy with an aversion to adventure. When both of their lives are put in danger, Dan is forced to take control of Daniel, commencing a madcap adventure in which they both learn the meaning of true friendship.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 and How to Train Your Dragon 3, the next two chapters to the Academy Award®-nominated original film from 2010, will be released on June 20, 2014 and June 18, 2016, respectively. Both are being directed and written byDean DeBlois (How to Train Your Dragon) and produced by Bonnie Arnold (How to Train Your Dragon). DeBlois and Chris Sanders (The Croods, How to Train Your Dragon) are serving as executive producers. Also inspired by the book series byCressida Cowell, the sequels will again star Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller and Kristen Wiig.

Happy Smekday!, based on the critically acclaimed book “The True Meaning of Smekday” by Adam Rex, will be released on November 26, 2014. It is directed by Tim Johnson (Over the Hedge, Antz) and produced by Chris Jenkins (Surf’s Up) andSuzanne Buirgy (Kung Fu Panda 2). The screenplay is being written by Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember (Get Smart). The film stars Jim Parsons and Rihanna. When the galaxy’s most annoyingly optimistic alien finds himself on the run from his own alien race, he’s forced to team up with a fiercely stubborn teenage girl. Together they become the most unlikely fugitives ever to save the planet.

The Penguins of Madagascar, featuring the beloved penguins from DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar franchise, will be released on March 27, 2015. It is directed by Simon J. Smith (Bee Movie) and produced by Lara Breay (Megamind). It is being written by Michael Colton and John Aboud. Executive producers include Mireille Soria, Tom McGrath and Eric Darnell (Madagascar series).

Trolls (working title), inspired by the mythology behind the wildly popular Troll dolls, will be released on June 5, 2015. It is directed by Anand Tucker (Leap Year) and produced by Gina Shay (Shrek Forever After). Aron Warner (Shrek films) is serving as executive producer, alongside Andrew Adamson (Shrek series, The Chronicles of Narnia series) and Dannie Festa. The screenplay is being written by Wallace Wollodarsky and Maya Forbes (Monsters vs. Aliens). The film stars Jason Schwartzman and Chole Moretz.

B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations, in which DreamWorks Animation will bring you ghosts as you’ve never seen them before, will be released on November 6, 2015. It is based on an original idea by Tony Leondis (Igor), who is directing the film. It is produced by Maryann Garger (Flushed Away) and the screenplay is being written by Tom Wheeler (Puss in Boots). The film stars Seth Rogen.

Mumbai Musical (working title), the studio’s first-ever Bollywood-style animated musical adventure inspired by the great Indian epic tale of The Ramayana but told from the point of view of the monkeys, will be released on December 19, 2015. Kevin Lima (Enchanted, Tarzan) is directing and Lisa Stewart (Turbo, Monsters vs. Aliens) and Chris Chase (Enchanted, Tarzan) are producing. Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Prince of Egypt, Enchanted) is writing the lyrics, A.R. Rahman (127 Hours, Slumdog Millionaire, Bombay Dreams) is writing the music, and both are executive producers on the film. It is being written by David Sussman.

Kung Fu Panda 3 is being released on March 18, 2016. Filmmakers returning for the third installment of the franchise include director Jennifer Yuh Nelson, producer Melissa Cobb and writers Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger. Guillermo del Toro will serve as executive producer.

DreamWorks Animation Enters Into New Five-Year Distribution Agreement With Twentieth Century Fox

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. today announced that the Company has entered into a new five-year distribution agreement with Twentieth Century Fox.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fox will assume certain marketing and distribution responsibilities in both domestic and international markets for all animated feature films produced by DreamWorks Animation for release in 2013 through 2017.

“Fox has long been an industry leader in both theatrical and home video thanks in large part to its well-integrated approach to distribution across a wide range of platforms around the globe,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation. “Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman have built a world-class distribution team and we are excited to apply their expertise, robust infrastructure and global resources so that DreamWorks Animation’s films can reach their fullest possible potential over the next five years.”

“DreamWorks Animation is a great company that makes terrific films and everyone here feels privileged and honored to have been chosen to distribute their marvelous work throughout the world,” stated Fox Filmed Entertainment CEOs and Chairmen, Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman. “We are particularly excited to add DreamWorks Animation’s films to the strong and growing slate of movies from our outstanding Blue Sky Studios division, which is coming off another global blockbuster with Ice Age: Continental Drift, and has EPIC and RIO 2 in advanced production. Together we will be a dominant force in animated entertainment for years to come.”

“Starting in 2013, DreamWorks Animation content will be distributed in the more traditional markets under a fee structure that is similar to our existing arrangement with our current distributor,” continued Katzenberg. “However, our new agreement with Fox presents more favorable economics overall for DreamWorks Animation because we are taking advantage of lower costs associated with the emerging digital distribution landscape and managing domestic television distribution in-house.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Fox will receive a distribution fee on worldwide theatrical and home video gross receipts as well as on international television, and on certain digital businesses, including rentals, SVOD and EST. DreamWorks Animation will retain the rights to distribute its product in the domestic television windows without paying a fee to Fox.

Dreamworks Animation Agrees To Acquire Classic Media For $155M; Casper the Friendly Ghost, Lassie, George Of The Jungle Part Of Collection

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Classic Media, owner of one of the most extensive portfolios featuring many of the best-known and most-enduring franchises in all of family entertainment, for $155 million in cash from Boomerang Media Holdings I LLC, a portfolio company of Chicago-based private equity firm GTCR.

Classic Media’s library of intellectual property, which is focused on family characters and brands, features a vast collection of filmed entertainment with over 450 titles and more than 6,100 episodes of animated and live-action programming. Classic Media owns one of the world’s largest comic book archives and media rights to the titles in the Golden Books library, which have sold over two billion copies worldwide. Their properties have been distributed in over 170 territories around the globe.

With well-established titles such as Casper the Friendly Ghost, Where’s Waldo?, Lassie, The Lone Ranger, George of the Jungle and Rocky & Bullwinkle, Classic Media’s properties have been a fixture in mainstream entertainment for decades. The Christmas Classics – Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town – are the longest-running, highest-rated holiday specials in television history. Classic Media counts among its holdings contemporary bestsellers such as VeggieTales and the beloved Olivia property, as well as hits Postman Pat and Noddy in international markets.

“Classic Media brings a large and diverse collection of characters and branded assets that is extremely complementary to DreamWorks Animation’s franchise business, and we plan to leverage it across our motion picture, television, home entertainment, consumer products, digital, theme park and live entertainment channels,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation. “Founders and co-CEOs Eric Ellenbogen and John Engelman – seasoned executives with over 20 years of industry experience and a proven track record of success in managing high-quality content – have built an amazing team at Classic Media and are a welcome addition to the DreamWorks Animation family.”

Classic Media has approximately 80 employees and is headquartered in New York City, with offices in the UK and a division, Big Idea Entertainment, in Nashville, TN.

“No company knows the family entertainment business better than DreamWorks Animation and we are excited to join their family in a natural extension of our long-standing relationship that began years ago on Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” said Eric Ellenbogen, co-CEO of Classic Media. “Classic Media brings to the table extensive rights to some of the most beloved family entertainment brands in the world. Our combination with DreamWorks Animation will expand the opportunities for us and for our content and distribution partners around the globe.”

Classic Media’s joint venture with Jay Ward Productions, a legend in animation, manages the rights to the entire Jay Ward animated catalog, which includes Rocky & Bullwinkle and Mr. Peabody & Sherman. DreamWorks Animation’s 3D feature film Mr. Peabody & Sherman is scheduled for release on December 25, 2013.

“For over 75 years, Classic Media’s iconic properties have entertained kids and families around the world with a unique, cross-generational appeal that is also a defining characteristic of DreamWorks Animation’s films,” added Bill Damaschke, Chief Creative Officer at DreamWorks Animation. “We believe their characters and brands will continue to serve as a creative magnet for the industry’s top directors, producers and artists.”

For the 12 months ended February 29, 2012, Classic Media earned net revenue of $82.2 million and operating profit of $19.2 million.

The acquisition of Classic Media will be financed through a combination of cash and borrowings under DreamWorks Animation’s revolving credit facility. The purchase price of $155 million includes amounts required to retire indebtedness.

“As part of DreamWorks Animation’s ongoing diversification strategy, this acquisition combines our hit-driven business with Classic Media’s extensive and sustainable library revenue stream,” added Lew Coleman, DreamWorks Animation’s President and Chief Financial Officer. “We expect the transaction to be accretive to our earnings in the first full year following the completion of the acquisition.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the required waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. DreamWorks Animation expects that the transaction will be completed during the quarter ended September 30, 2012.

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. acted as financial advisor and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and O’Melveny & Myers LLP served as legal advisors to DreamWorks Animation in connection with the transaction. Jefferies & Company, Inc. acted as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to Classic Media in connection with the transaction.

Stephen Colbert And Allison Janney Join Dreamworks Animation’s MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN – November 8, 2013 Release Date

DreamWorks Animation has announced that Stephen Colbert (The Colbert Report), Emmy Award® winner Allison Janney (The Help, The West Wing), Ellie Kemper (Bridesmaids, The Office), Ariel Winter (Modern Family) and Stephen Tobolowsky (Californication, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax) have joined previously announced cast members, Emmy Award® winner Ty Burrell (Modern Family) and Max Charles (The Amazing Spider-Man, The Three Stooges) in the studio’s MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN, which is now scheduled to be released on November 8, 2013. The film had previously been slated for March 14, 2014, a release date now planned for the studio’s Me & My Shadow.

“These incredible casting additions have elevated Mr. Peabody & Sherman to a new level of excitement and we are truly fortunate to work with so many talented actors,” said DreamWorks Animation Chief Creative Officer Bill Damaschke. “I’m certain that their collective passion and enthusiasm for the film will bring the classic characters of MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN to new life and thrill audiences of all ages when we open in November of next year.”

MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN is directed by Rob Minkoff (Stuart Little, The Lion King) and produced by Alex Schwartz (Journey to the Center of the Earth, Bridge to Terabithia) and Denise Cascino (Megamind, Shrek the Third). It is being written by Craig Wright (United States of Tara, Six Feet Under) with revisions by Michael McCullers (Baby Mama, Austin Powers in Goldmember). Bullwinkle Studios’ Tiffany Ward and Classic Media’s Eric Ellenbogen are serving as executive producers on the film along with Jason Clark (Monster House, Stuart Little).

Based on Jay Ward’s classic cartoon, Mr. Peabody is the world’s smartest person who happens to be a dog. When his “pet” boy Sherman uses their time traveling WABAC machine without permission, events in history spiral out of control to disastrous and comical results. It’s up to this most unexpected of father-son teams to somehow put things back on track before the space-time continuum is irreparably destroyed.

All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 24 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. The 2 Company’s theatrical releases for the current year are Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted on June 8, 2012 and Rise of the Guardians on November 21, 2012.

DreamWorks Animation Joins Walmart’s Disc-to-Digital Service

Shrek, Gingy, Po and Tigress are making their way to the cloud! Beginning today at more than 3,500 Walmart stores in the U.S., movie fans can now gain digital access to current DreamWorks Animation titles, including Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon, through Walmart’s exclusive disc-to-digital service powered by VUDU, the industry-leading video streaming service. DreamWorks Animation is the sixth major Hollywood studio to partner with Walmart to give Americans the freedom to access their previously-purchased DVDs and Blu-ray movies in the cloud.

“Once again, Walmart is breaking new ground in helping consumers understand the opportunities of new technologies amid the changing digital landscape,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO, DreamWorks Animation. “We are thrilled to make DreamWorks Animation’s current library of films available as part of their disc-to-digital service, which we view as a positive step forward for the industry and for consumers.”

Customers can now receive digital copies of their previously-purchased movies from the following studios: DreamWorks Animation, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

“Walmart’s disc-to-digital service answers our customers’ desire for new and flexible ways to enjoy their movie collections,” said John Aden, executive vice president for general merchandising, Walmart U.S. “DreamWorks Animation’s existing line-up of blockbuster films is a powerful addition to the extensive list of titles available to our customers today and we’re proud to have them on-board.”

Walmart’s Disc-to-Digital Service Powered by VUDU: How it Works

The process to convert previously purchased DVD/Blu-ray movies to digital copies is quick and simple:

  • Customers bring their movie collections from the participating studio partners – DreamWorks, Paramount, Sony, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal and Warner Bros. – to their local Walmart Photo Center.
  • A Walmart associate will help them create their own free VUDU account.
  • Customers tell the associate how they would like their movies converted:
    • Convert a standard DVD or Blu-ray movie for $2; or,
    • Upgrade a standard DVD to an HD digital copy for $5.
  • Walmart will authorize the digital copies and place them in the customer’s VUDU account. No upload is necessary, and customers get to keep their physical discs.
  • Customers can log onto VUDU.com from more than 300 Internet-connected devices to view movies any time, any place.

Walmart Entertainment supports UltraViolet, the movie industry’s initiative currently in its beta phase that allows consumers to put their purchased movies into a cloud-based digital library and keep track of them safely and securely.  Walmart is able to offer customers the ability to watch and purchase UltraViolet-enabled titles directly from VUDU. These enhancements to Walmart Entertainment’s services are the first of their kind from a major retailer and mark an important milestone in the expansion of digital home video ownership.

To learn more about Walmart Entertainment’s new services please visit: www.walmartstores.com/entertainment

DreamWorks Animation’s TURBO Collaborates With INDYCAR

INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have announced a first-of-its-kind movie-themed collaboration with DreamWorks Animation for the Company’s upcoming animated feature film TURBO, which is scheduled to be released on July 19, 2013.

DreamWorks Animation’s TURBO is the story of an ordinary garden snail with an impossible dream: to win the Indy 500. When a freak accident gives him extraordinary speed, Turbo sets out to try to make his impossible dream come true. Ryan Reynolds will lead an all-star cast including Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena, Luis Guzman, Bill Hader, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong, Michelle Rodriguez, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz, Kurtwood Smith, Snoop Dogg and Samuel L. Jackson.

“The Indianapolis 500 is a one-of-a-kind live event that has fascinated people of all ages for many, many years and Turbo is a character whose biggest ambition is to add his name to its list of international champions,” commented Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation. “DreamWorks Animation’s alliance with the INDYCAR team represents an authentic tie-in between a real-life race and an imagined adventure that is certain to culminate in a thrilling ride for the whole family next summer.”

“Today is a very exciting day for us, as we announce our collaboration with the DreamWorks Animation team on TURBO,” said Randy Bernard, CEO of INDYCAR. “We’re very honored to work with Jeffrey, his team and the incredible star power of the cast to bring the Indy 500 to the world in such a unique and engaging format. We believe new and existing fans of all ages will be captivated by the animated depiction of Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well as the wonderful characters that inhabit the universe of DreamWorks Animation’s TURBO.”

“For more than 100 years, the dream of competing in the Indianapolis 500 has attracted some of the greatest drivers to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” added Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and CEO. “Legendary names like Mario Andretti, Jim Clark, A.J. Foyt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Helio Castroneves and Dario Franchitti all have been fast and fortunate enough to win it. We are excited to work with DreamWorks Animation’s creators, staff and cast and look forward to seeing TURBO himself race at Indianapolis in 2013!”

David Soren (Merry Madagascar), a DreamWorks Animation veteran as a story artist, voice actor and director, is set to direct the film based on his own original concept. Soren is co-writing the script with Robert Siegel (The Wrestler) and Darren Lemke (Shrek Forever After). Lisa Stewart (Monsters vs. Aliens, Almost Famous) is producing with Susan Rogers serving as co-producer.

“Like” TURBO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurboMovie

Ty Burrell & Max Charles Take On Lead Roles In Dreamworks Animation’s MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN In 2014

DreamWorks Animation SKG today announced that Emmy Award™ winner Ty Burrell (Modern Family) and Max Charles (The Amazing Spider-Man, The Three Stooges) will voice the lead roles of Mr. Peabody and Sherman, respectively, in the studio’s MR. PEABODY AND SHERMAN, which is scheduled to be released on March 14, 2014.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman is directed by Rob Minkoff ( Stuart Little , The Lion King) and produced by Alex Schwartz, who had previously served as Head of Development for the studio, and Denise Cascino (Megamind, Shrek the Third). It is being written by Craig Wright ( United States of Tara, Six Feet Under). Bullwinkle Studio’s Tiffany Ward and Classic Media’s Eric Ellenbogen are serving as executive producers on the film along with Jason Clark (Monster House, Stuart Little ).

“The brilliantly comedic and paternal sensibilities of Ty Burrell make him ideal for the role of the beloved Mr. Peabody and we are thrilled that he will join Max Charles as the leads of Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” said DreamWorks Animation Chief Creative Officer Bill Damaschke. “Combined with Rob Minkoff’s legendary pedigree and Craig Wright’s re-imagining of these classic characters, the stage is set for an unbelievable film experience.”

Based on Jay Ward’s classic cartoon, Mr. Peabody is the world’s smartest person who happens to be a dog. When his “pet” boy Sherman uses their time traveling WABAC machine without permission, events in history spiral out of control to disastrous and comical results. It’s up to this most unexpected of father-son teams to somehow put things back on track before the space-time continuum is irreparably destroyed.

Dreamworks Animation Is Off To The Races With High-Octane Cast For TURBO In 2013

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. today announced that Ryan Reynolds will lead an all-star cast including Paul Giamatti, Michael Pena, Luis Guzman, Bill Hader, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong, Michelle Rodriguez, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz, Kurtwood Smith, Snoop Dogg and Samuel L. Jackson in the Company’s upcoming original film Turbo, which tells the story of an ordinary garden snail with dreams of racing greatness. Turbo is scheduled to come to the big screen on July 19, 2013.

“Ryan Reynolds’ infectious enthusiasm and humor will bring life to the lead role of Turbo and set the tone for this amazing roster of all-star voice talent,” said DreamWorks Animation Chief Creative Officer Bill Damaschke. “This high-octane journey will take audiences on the race of their lives and completely re-define the traditional notion of moving at a snail’s pace!”

David Soren (Merry Madagascar), a DreamWorks Animation veteran as a story artist, voice actor and director, is set to direct the film based on his own original concept. Soren is co-writing the script with Robert Siegel (The Wrestler) and Darren Lemke (Shrek Forever After). Lisa Stewart (Monsters vs. Aliens, Almost Famous) is producing with Susan Rogers serving as co-producer.

TURBO is a snail who dreams of being the greatest racer in the world, just like his hero, 5-time Indianapolis 500 champ, Guy Gagne. His obsession with speed and all things fast has made him an oddity and outsider in the slow and cautious snail community, and a constant embarrassment to his careful older brother, Chet. Turbo desperately wishes he could escape the slow-paced life he’s living. As luck would have it, he gets that chance one fateful day after a freak accident when he suddenly finds himself vested with the power of incredible speed. Turbo embarks on an extraordinary journey to achieve the impossible: racing against the best that IndyCar has to offer. Turbo is the ultimate underdog who achieves the impossible by refusing to let his limitations get in the way of his dreams.

All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are now being produced in 3D. The 2 Company has theatrically released a total of 23 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon.

DreamWorks Animation Looks East To Establish Leading China-Focused Family Entertainment Company

DreamWorks Animation today announced that it has agreed to form a joint venture with China Media Capital, with plans to include Shanghai Media Group and Shanghai Alliance Investment, Ltd., to establish the leading China-focused family entertainment company.

Oriental DreamWorks will engage in the development and production of high-quality original Chinese animated and live action content for distribution both within China and to other territories around the globe. In addition to content creation, the joint venture will pursue business opportunities in the areas of live entertainment, theme parks, mobile, online, interactive games and consumer products.

“We are incredibly proud to establish Oriental DreamWorks alongside CMC, SMG and SAIL in this groundbreaking and historic alliance to create the leading Chinese-branded family entertainment company,” said DreamWorks Animation’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Katzenberg. “Together with our partners in China, we look forward to building a first-of-its-kind enterprise to locally conceive, produce and distribute high-quality creative content and family entertainment experiences – not only for the people of China but also for related export markets.”

“We share the same vision with DreamWorks Animation to build a world-class family entertainment company,” commented Ruigang Li, Chairman of China Media Capital. “By combining the expertise of CMC in investment and operation, SMG in media and entertainment management, SAIL in high-tech R&D, as well as DreamWorks Animation in creative processes, innovative technology and global network capabilities, Oriental DreamWorks will be in a unique position to create high-quality content and interactive entertainment products for China and international markets.”

The Chinese companies will hold a majority stake of approximately 55% in Oriental DreamWorks and DreamWorks Animation will hold approximately 45%. The enterprise will initially be capitalized with cash and intellectual property valued at $330 million. The joint venture plans to launch business operations in Shanghai later this year.

DreamWorks Animation has enjoyed a great track record of success at the box office in China, led by its blockbuster Kung Fu Panda franchise. Kung Fu Panda was the #1 animated film upon its release into China in 2008 and last year, Kung Fu Panda 2 became the highest-grossing animated film of all time in the region, grossing approximately $100 million.

About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE® Magazine for four consecutive years. In 2012, DreamWorks Animation ranks #14 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 23 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar , Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon.

About China Media Capital

China Media Capital (CMC) is China’s first media sector focused fund dedicated to media and entertainment investments in China and internationally. Approved by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) for an initial fund size of RMB 5 billion, CMC’s prominent founding partners include China Development Bank (CDB), one of China’s largest financial institutions with registered capital of over RMB 300 billion and total assets of over RMB 5 trillion. CMC’s investment portfolio includes a controlling stake in News Corporation’s China assets, including TV channels – Star (Xing Kong), Star (Xing Kong) International and Channel V (China) – as well as the Fortune Star movie library, which is the largest movie library across Asia.

About Shanghai Media Group

The second largest media conglomerate in China, Shanghai Media Group (SMG) has the country’s most comprehensive portfolio of media-related businesses, including television (14 analog channels, 15 digital channels), radio (11 frequencies), print media (9 newspapers and magazines), new media (IPTV, mobile TV and Internet TV), home shopping, content distribution, performing arts, education and talent management. In addition to being China’s leader in delivering content and services in the traditional media sector, SMG has the country’s largest TV shopping outlet and dominant IPTV operation.

About Shanghai Alliance Investment, Ltd.

As an investment arm of the Shanghai municipal government, Shanghai Alliance Investment, Ltd. (SAIL), founded in 1994, has established itself as a leader in China’s high-tech and financial sector investment. The mission of SAIL is to deliver value for its shareholders as well as make contributions to China’s development by providing resources to innovative technology companies. SAIL’s target industries include financial service, TMT, life science, health care, and emerging low-carbon sectors such as clean energy, new material and eco-environment protection. Capitalizing on its distinctive local experience, extensive government networking, industry expertise and strategic insights, SAIL is recognized as a preferred Chinese partner for leading international corporations.

DreamWorks Animation’s All-Star Cast For ME & MY SHADOW Features Josh Gad, Bill Hader and Kate Hudson

DreamWorks Animation SKG, today announced that Tony Award™ nominee Josh Gad (Love and Other Drugs), who currently appears on Broadway in The Book of Mormon, will star as Stanley, Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs) as his shadow, and Academy-Award® nominee Kate Hudson (Almost Famous, Something Borrowed) as Heidi in Me & My Shadow , coming to the big screen on November 13, 2013. In this original feature film conceived at DreamWorks Animation, the studio will pioneer a groundbreaking combination of both CG and traditional animation techniques, which will be used seamlessly to create a never-before-seen movie experience.

Animation veteran Alessandro Carloni, who most recently served as head of story on DreamWorks Animation’s Academy Award®-nominated How to Train Your Dragon, will make his directorial debut on Me & My Shadow . Melissa Cobb ( Kung Fu Panda , Kung Fu Panda 2) will produce and Jeff Hermann ( Kung Fu Panda , Kung Fu Panda 2) will co-produce. Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember (Get Smart) are writing the screenplay. The original script was written by Steve Bencich and Ron J. Friedman.

“The hilarious chemistry between Josh Gad, Bill Hader and Kate Hudson couldn’t be more exciting to watch as they bring to life our trio of lead characters in Me & My Shadow ,” said DreamWorks Animation Chief Creative Officer Bill Damaschke. “Alessandro has proven to be a creative genius at DreamWorks Animation for over a decade and we look forward with a huge amount of enthusiasm as he takes on his feature film directing debut with us.”

“I cannot begin to express my excitement over the opportunity to direct Me & My Shadow, an original movie that makes innovative use of both cutting edge CGI technology and time-honored animated techniques in an inventive new way,” added Carloni.

Prior to his work on How to Train Your Dragon, Carloni worked with DreamWorks Animation in a number of capacities, including supervising animator on the Academy Award®-nominated Kung Fu Panda . Carloni joined DreamWorks Animation in 2002, bringing with him a wide variety of award-winning experience within the animation industry, creating feature and short animated films as well as commercials and music videos. He has served as animator, co-director, animation director, sculptor, special effects supervisor, storyboard and visual development artist and designer throughout his career.

Me & My Shadow reveals the once secret world of shadows and their human counterparts. Stan, our hero’s shadow, yearns for a more exciting life but happens to be stuck with Stanley Grubb, a timid guy with an extreme aversion to adventure. When a crime in the shadow world puts both of their lives in danger, Stan is forced to take control of Stanley. They go on a madcap adventure to investigate the crime and stop the shadow villain from leading a rebellion where shadows take over the human world. During this adventure, Stan empowers Stanley to let go of his fears and embrace life. Through their adventure, they both learn that one cannot be whole without a true friend.