DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. (DWA) released its feature-film
lineup through 2014, saying it will offer six new original films on
top of movies based on three existing franchises, including a
planned sequel to last year's "How to Train Your Dragon."
The studio's extended schedule arrives as many movie studios are
exploring various mixes of strategies to stem declining audiences
and a precipitous decline in DVD sales: cranking out sequels to
blockbusters, placing smaller bets elsewhere and experimenting with
pay-per-view options for movies at home.
This year, DreamWorks will stick to proven franchises with its
release of "Kung Fu Panda 2" on May 26 and "Puss In Boots," based
on the feline character from its highly successful "Shrek" movies,
on Nov. 4.
Next year, the company plans to release "Madagascar 3" on June
8, followed by "Rise of the Guardians" on Nov. 21.
The animation studio plans to fill 2013 with more original
films, including "The Croods" on March 1, "Turbo" on June 7 and "Me
and My Shadow on Nov. 8.
"Mr. Peabody & Sherman" is scheduled for release March 21,
2014 and "How to Train Your Dragon 2" for June 20, 2014.
DreamWorks' most recent fourth-quarter earnings nearly doubled,
topping analysts' expectations, as the computer-animation studio's
revenue jumped on the strength of products related to three
animated films it released last year.
Still, analysts have expressed concern about the
underperformance of "Megamind," the company's third animated
feature film release in 2010, and continued challenges in the
children's DVD market.
DreamWorks last month inked an exclusive licensing deal with
Mattel Inc.'s (MAT) Fisher-Price division to market toys tied to
the computer-animation studio's films and television shows.
Financial terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
The studio also reached an agreement earlier this month to open
two upcoming animated films in Imax Corp. (IMAX, IMX.T)
theaters.
Shares were recently off 4 cents to $26.52.
-By Drew FitzGerald, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2909;
Andrew.FitzGerald@dowjones.com