Glendale-based DreamWorks Animation could be headed to Sony
DreamWorks Animation has decided not to distribute its own films after its longtime deal with Paramount Pictures expires this fall, and it may strike a new pact with Sony Pictures, according to people close to the negotiations not authorized to speak publicly.
The Glendale-based studio behind the “Shrek” and “Kung Fu Panda” movies must find a new distribution partner quickly. Its last film under the Paramount deal, “Rise of the Guardians,” hits theaters on Nov. 12.
The publicly held DreamWorks does not yet have a distributor for “The Croods,” set to come out in March, and for “Turbo,” scheduled for next July. It typically takes many months to coordinate the release of an animated film, because the genre attracts a variety of promotional and merchandise partners.
DreamWorks’ Chief Executive Jeffrey Katzenberg has told media analysts that he wants to secure a distribution agreement by this fall.
-- John Horn and Ben Fritz