2008-10-14 00:13:03 -
- For DreamWorks: Chip Sullivan, 818-733-6448 chip_sullivan@dreamworksstudios.com or For Universal Studios: Cindy Gardner, 818-777-2581 cindy.gardner@nbcuni.com or For Universal Pictures: Kori Bernards, 818-777-7216 kori.bernards@nbcuni.com Stacey Snider and Steven Spielberg today announced a 7-year worldwide distribution deal between their new motion picture company and Universal Studios, which is expected to begin in 2009 and include approximately
6 films per year.
Snider and Spielberg recently departed Paramount Pictures to partner with Reliance Big Entertainment on a new motion picture company. Reliance Big will distribute the new company's projects in India.
"We are delighted to be back in business with Steven and Stacey and the rest of their superb team," said Jeff Zucker, President and CEO of NBC Universal. "They are longtime friends of ours and terrific moviemakers. We are honored to be part of the next chapter of their success."
"We couldn't be more pleased to welcome the DreamWorks team back to Universal and our long history of success together will continue. As always, it is an honor to do business with Steven Spielberg, one of the most prolific directors of our generation and our long-time friend and colleague Stacey Snider, who is one of the finest film executives in our business," said Ron Meyer, President & COO, Universal Studios.
"Steven and I have both enjoyed successful, long-time relationships with Ron Meyer and everyone at Universal," said Stacey Snider. "Having spent a decade in the Universal family, I'm very familiar with their talented distribution and marketing teams, under the dynamic leadership of Marc Shmuger and David Linde. Steven and I are looking forward to this new association with our old friends."
"Universal has always been my home base so this agreement starts a new chapter in what has been a long and successful association," said Steven Spielberg. "While it feels great to come home again, it feels like I never left, and Stacey and I look forward to working once again with our friends and colleagues, old and new. It's an exciting time for us and we want it to be equally as productive and rewarding for Universal."
"We are looking forward to a long, productive relationship bringing DreamWorks films to audiences around the globe," said Chairman of Universal Pictures Marc Shmuger of the DreamWorks Universal partnership. Co-Chairman, Universal Pictures David Linde added: "We are glad to be adding DreamWorks films to Universal's slate. Steven and Stacey are some of the best in the business and we look forward to being in business with them again."
David Geffen negotiated the deal on behalf of the new motion picture company. As previously announced, Geffen will not be joining Snider and Spielberg in the new company.
"David Geffen has been my partner for 14 years, my advisor for 30 and will be my friend for life," said Spielberg. "DreamWorks will have a second chapter because of David's vision and indomitable spirit."
Snider added, "Steven and I could not be embarking upon this new adventure were it not for the brilliance, dedication and loyalty of David Geffen. I am forever grateful."
About DreamWorks Studios
Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider and The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group announced the formation of a new motion picture company which will be led by Spielberg and Snider. The new company is a continuation of DreamWorks Studios which was formed in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen. The company won three consecutive Best Picture Academy Awards with "American Beauty," "Gladiator," and "A Beautiful Mind" (both co-produced with Universal). Among the company's other successes have been such films as "Saving Private Ryan" (co-produced with Paramount), "The Ring," "Minority Report" (co-produced with 20th Century Fox), "War of the Worlds," "Dreamgirls," and "Transformers" (all co-produced with Paramount). Snider joined DreamWorks Studios in 2006 as Co-Chairman and CEO. Snider has overseen the company's business strategy as well as the creative and financial aspects of all film development and production.
About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.
Snider, Spielberg Partnership with Reliance Big Entertainment to
Launch in 2009
