DreamWorks Animation

(This article is a W.I.P.)

About

DreamWorks Animation is an American animation studios based in Glendale, California. It creates animated feature films, television programs and more.

History

DreamWorks Animation was founded in 1994 when DreamWorks SKG was formed by Steven Spielberg, David Geffen, and Jeffrey Katzenberg. Over the next year, DreamWorks would sign a co-production deal with Pacific Data Images to form PDI, Inc. Later, in 2000, DreamWorks created a new business division in DreamWorks Animation, and would later acquire majority interest in PDI, Inc. In 2004, DreamWorks Animation spun off from DreamWorks to form into a public company, headed by Jeffrey Katzenberg^[1]. Since 2014, there have been talks about DreamWorks Animation being sold, one failed bid includes Softbank ^[2], and the latest bid has come from Hasbro ^[3], however that bid also fell through. In January of 2015, Dreamworks Animation announced that it shall be closing it's PDI division due to financial struggles. ^[4] On April of 2016, Comcast, who also currently own NBC Universal, had agreed to purchase Dreamworks Animation for 3.8 billion dollars. ^[5]

Reception

DreamWorks Animation has established a name for itself, as it's one of the few animation companies whose films are almost never mistaken for Disney or Pixar. Since their first film, Antz, released in 1998, they have made 29 more films under the DreamWorks name with more along the way. 11 of their films have been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, with 2 of them winning it, including Shrek, with won the inaugural award for 2001^[6].

Fandom

DreamWorks Animation has a Tumblr blog where they post info for the fans as well as fanart^[7]. They also have over 5,810,000 likes on their Facebook page^[8], and over 688,000 followers on their Twitter^[9].

Related Subcultures

The Road to El Dorado

The Road to El Dorado is a early 2-D DreamWorks Animation film from 2000. Initially met with lukewarm reviews and a disappointing box office result, it has since gain cult following that inspired memes like Miguel's Guitar.

Shrek

Shrek is DreamWorks Animation's most successful film franchise, spawning 4 sequels, a spin-off film, specials, and a theme park attraction. It also has a massive internet following, being referred in but not limited to the "Shrek is love, Shrek is life" green text story and in Montage Parodies.

Bee Movie

Bee Movie is a 2007 Dreamworks Animation movie that starred Jerry Seinfeld. It was a modest hit when it first came out. Years later, it would spawn a Tumblr following.

Related Memes

Circus Afro/ Afro Circus

Originating from the film Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, Circus Afro/ Afro Circus was first shown in the ads from Madagascar 3. It would then inspire video remixes and memes based around it.

DreamWorks Face

The DreamWorks Face is a notable trademark of DreamWorks Animation's marketing, as many of their characters featured in their posters have a raised eyebrow and some type of grin. It has since been copied by many of their competitors.

Search Interest

External References