Breaking news: Disney and DreamWorks Near Deal

[stitch2008]

From Comingsoon.net.......

Universal Walks Away From DreamWorks Deal

Source: The Hollywood Reporter
February 6, 2009



Universal Pictures said Friday that it no longer plans to distribute DreamWorks' movies, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Instead, DreamWorks heads Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider are in advanced talks with the Walt Disney Co. about a distribution deal. While other studios like Fox have also been mentioned as possible DreamWorks suitors in the past, a potential Disney deal appeared to be the only one on the table at the moment.

Universal released a statement 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."

For more on DreamWorks' financial situation, click here.

 

[dandaman]

I actually don't know what to make of this... on one hand, Pixar's lack of competition may see a slide in overall quality; however, I'm sure Lasseter would keep charging ahead and view Pixar as its own greatest challenge. The Dreamworks animators would/might be transferred to Pixar creating an awesome collaboration between animation professionals.

"Cautiously positive". That's it. :lol:

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I actually don't know what to make of this... on one hand, Pixar's lack of competition may see a slide in overall quality; however, I'm sure Lasseter would keep charging ahead and view Pixar as its own greatest challenge. The Dreamworks animators would/might be transferred to Pixar creating an awesome collaboration between animation professionals.

"Cautiously positive". That's it. :lol:

I feel the same way. This is VERY VERY odd.


So....Does that mean Shrek is gonna be in WDW now?:lookaroun:lookaroun

 

[BadTigger]

Well it seems this is a done deal that will be announced Monday, I would think its going to be like the old Pixar Disney deal. It will be good for Disney as Dreamworks and Disney are the two animation powerhouses, I'm also sure it would include Dreamworks live action which is alo been very good as of late.

 

[dizpins14]

I am pretty sure it is just a distribution deal for Dreamworks's live action films and television. Dreamworks Animation should be distributed by Paramount still, so Shrek won't be in Disney World anytime soon.

 

[khelinski]

This goes in-depth.

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.c...-universal-decision-expected-within-48-hours/

I am a Spiel-buff, so this surprised the hell out of me (like most of you). I actually prefer Spielberg in Universal's backyard - not just because of the history between the two - but because Spielberg was always the complete opposite of Disney (though, the two has collided a couple of times).

I am curious what could happened in the future. Could Katzenberg return to Disney? Dreamworks Animation may not come to the 'House of Mouse' anytime soon - but if this works out, hmmm...:drevil:!

Personally, Spielberg should drop Dreamworks, and revive the old school Amblin days, when he was actually more involved as a producer (and it showed).

Regardless, this could be something of real great magic. But it could be VERY bad on Universal's behalf (like dropping E.T. Adventure at Florida, which has been preserved by Spielberg's request).