BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Netflix Inc. announced a multi-year deal today with DreamWorks Animation to offer more than 300 hours of new original series programming from the animation studio.
The agreement, the largest deal for original first-run content in Netflix history, will give members exclusive access to new series from the creators of the Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon franchises.
It also marks the first time that DreamWorks’ characters will be introduced into the television market as a branded collection of shows. The deal is a major part of a push by DreamWorks to expand its television production and distribution worldwide.
Netflix says the new shows, which are expected to begin airing in 2014, will be inspired by characters from DreamWorks Animation’s franchises and upcoming feature films, as well as the vast Classic Media library, which DreamWorks acquired in 2012.
“This deal represents a major expansion of what's already a phenomenal relationship, allowing us to bring beloved DreamWorks characters to the 40 countries where Netflix operates and setting the stage for us to innovate together as we expand into new markets,” Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said in a release.
Netflix and DreamWorks first partnered together in February, when they announced the production of an original series called Turbo F.A.S.T., based on the DreamWorks film premiering in July, would be available for Netflix customers this December.
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