DreamWorks Hops to Disney, Universal Abandons Deal

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 4:08 pm

Multiple outlets are reporting that [b]DreamWorks and Disney are in the final stages of a deal for Disney to distribute DreamWorks' films[/b], and that Universal is out of the picture.

Universal released a statement Friday, saying "Universal Pictures has ended discussions with DreamWorks for a distribution agreement. Over the past several weeks DreamWorks has demanded material changes to previously agreed upon terms. It is clear that DreamWorks' needs and Universal's business interests are no longer in alignment. We wish them luck in their pursuit of funding and distribution of their future endeavors."

Nikki Finke's DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD DAILY reports that the DreamWorks/Disney deal is done and will be[b] officially announced on Monday[/b]. DreamWorks' $500 million deal with Indian financiers Reliant was about to fall through if DreamWorks didn't come up with $100 million immediately and $150 million later. Co-heads Stacey Snider and Steven Spielberg wanted to change the Universal deal to include straight distribution and a $250 million investment, while the studio was reluctant to put up even $100 million.

DreamWorks has not put out official comment, but will do so on Monday in a press release with Disney. Finke also reports that Disney is now seriously considering unloading Miramax, the specialty unit once owned by Harvey and Bob Weinstein.

[i][sub]Source: [url=\"http://news.awn.com/?ltype=top&newsitem_no=26332\"]AWN News[/url][/sub][/i]
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What??? I don't like where this is heading.....

Post by **Tami** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 7:33 am

Why not, Josh? Deals like this are done all the time - and in reality, wouldn't you rather see some type of deal done to keep studios going than see the alternative option?

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 3:55 pm

Dreamworks got away with a little more things than Pixar could ever have done just because they don't have Disney plastered all over them lol. I'm just afraid to see what kind of quality Dreamworks will have to ouput just to keep up with Disney's standards

Post by **NightStorm** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:00 pm

Not to mention the talent that Dreamworks will now be bringing to the Disney table, along with the funding that Disney will be bringing to the Dreamworks table.

Funding and Talent that will now likely be allowing for appearances at the local SIGGRAPH. <img src=\'http://www.killanet.net/forum3/public/s ... iggrin.gif\' class=\'bbc_emoticon\' alt=\':D\' />

Post by **Tami** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:24 pm

How much does a studio need to get away with in order to produce a successful piece of animation or cgi? Maybe there is too much "getting away with stuff" these days, maybe there isn't - how much questionable content does there need to be make a good show? Personally I'm more interested in seeing what titles and styles develop in this new partnership, because it's entirely possible to make a completely enjoyable animated or cg film without the inclusion of questionable content and dialogue.