DreamWorks Animation signs TV deal with Germany’s Super RTL

In the latest push to expand its television production business, DreamWorks Animation has signed a five-year deal to produce animated television shows for German broadcaster Super RTL.

Under the deal, the creator of the “Shrek,” “Kung Fu Panda” and “Madagascar” franchises will supply up to 1,100 hours of animated programming for Super RTL, the leading children’s TV channel in Germany.

The licensing agreement includes new television series inspired by DreamWorks’ hit franchises and future films, the first two of which will be “How to Train Your Dragon” and a show based on the upcoming snail comedy “Turbo,” set for release in July.

Super RTL, which is based in Cologne, will also be getting access to the Classic Media library that DreamWorks acquired last year.

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“For us this strategic partnership constitutes a milestone in the station’s history,’’ Super RTL Managing Director Claude Schmit said in a statement. “Our relationship with DreamWorks Animation, one of the most globally recognized entertainment brands, will be able to elevate our profile as the go-to station for young viewers. With access to this incredible library of content, we are now excellently equipped to compete in a crowded marketplace.”

Eric Ellenbogen, the co-head of DreamWorks Classics who led the transaction for DreamWorks Animation, added: “Super RTL is truly an ideal home for our new television slate. Our characters will have the widest possible audience on the leading kids’ channel in Germany for years to come.”

The announcement comes a day after DreamWorks Animation announced a deal to produce more than 300 hours of original animated shows for Netflix Inc., the largest deal for original content in Netflix history.

DreamWorks has been expanding its television business in an effort to diversify and become less reliant on animated feature films.

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