Netflix to Premiere DreamWorks Animation TV Shows

RMN Digital | June 17, 2013 | Americas, Entertainment, Masses, Regions | No Comments

Netflix Inc. and DreamWorks Animation (Nasdaq: DWA) today announced a multi-year deal making the world’s leading Internet TV network the premiere home of new original series from the creators of global box-office hits including the Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon franchises.

This agreement, according to Netflix, which marks the largest deal for original first-run content in Netflix history, is also the first time DreamWorks Animation’s beloved characters will be introduced into the television market as a branded collection of shows.

The deal, which encompasses over 300 hours of new programming, is stated to be a cornerstone of a major initiative by DreamWorks Animation to expand its television production and distribution worldwide.

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The new shows will be inspired by characters from DreamWorks Animation’s hit franchises and upcoming feature films as well as the vast Classic Media library, which DreamWorks acquired in 2012 and includes some of the most popular animated characters in history.

With the first series expected to begin airing in 2014, Netflix will premiere these new DreamWorks Animation shows in all the territories in which it operates.

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In February, Netflix and DreamWorks announced their first ever Netflix Original Series for kids based on the film Turbo, premiering on July 17.

Turbo F.A.S.T, an episodic animated series which picks up with the speedy snail where the feature film left off, will be available in all Netflix territories beginning in December.

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Also coming exclusively to Netflix in the U.S. and Latin America next year will be new DreamWorks Animation feature films, beginning with The Croods, which grossed more than $575 million at the worldwide box office, followed by Turbo and the big screen adaption of Mr. Peabody and Sherman, which opens in theaters in March of 2014.