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DreamWorks Animation LLC, is an independent American animation studio, owned by Universal Pictures. It producing primarily feature animated films. It was formed by the merger of the feature animation division of DreamWorks Pictures and Pacific Data Images (PDI) and spun off from Amblimation.
Logo[]
The logo is adapted from the parent studio's logo. The original logo consists of a boy fishing on the moon, against a backdrop of the daytime sky albeit with more colorful lettering. The soundtrack of this logo was originally an adaptation of the DreamWorks theme; however, following the global success of Shrek in 2001, this became a shortened adaptation of "True Love's First Kiss" (Fiona's theme from the Shrek soundtrack), composed by Danny Elfman (itself adapted from "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen).
History[]
1994–2004[]
In 1994, DreamWorks SKG created the DreamWorks Animation label- which would regularly produce various types of animated feature films. All four traditionally animated feature films were produced by the division's Southern California branch. DreamWorks SKG acquired majority interest (90%) in PDI, reforming it into PDI/DreamWorks, the Northern California branch of its new business division. The business division separated from its parent in 2004, forming DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. and purchasing the remaining interest in PDI as well as its subsidiary PDI, LLC.
2003–2009[]
Through the rest of the 2000's, the studio was dedicated to producing CG animated films in-house and committed itself to make 2 computer-animated feature films a year. Traditional 2-D animation would be limited to television and streaming productions starting in the early 2010's. Beginning in 2004, DreamWorks Animation would handle its own productions separate from the original division. As a result, DreamWorks Pictures would function as a regular distributor for their films.
In 2005, DreamWorks Animation partnered with HP to introduce HP Halo Telepresence Solutions, technologies that allow people in different locations to communicate in a face-to-face environment in real time. Users were able to see and hear one another's physical and emotional reactions to conversation and information as it is being shared, whether across a country or across the world. This would be the standard technology used for their films throughout the late 2000's and early 2010's, and was most prominent in the Shrek sequels.
During this time, DreamWorks Pictures would become a subsidiary of Viacom, with the DWA productions being licensed for distribution from the company. Unlike the live-action productions, Viacom wasn't creatively involved with the animated films- and would not own the full distribution rights once the contract expired. In 2008, DreamWorks Pictures left Viacom with all their assets, although DWA continued to finish projects out of contractual obligation until 2012.
On March 03, 2007, DreamWorks Animation announced intention to release every future film in 3-D, starting in 2009. On July 8, 2008, they have announced partnership with Intel to co-develop 3-D film-making technology InTru3D. The first film produced with this technology was Monsters vs. Aliens, which was heavily promoted with the 3-D presentation.
2010–present[]
In 2010, a new logo was introduced in which the boy on the moon waves away some clouds with his fishing pole as the DreamWorks letters come into position; this logo was first used on How to Train Your Dragon. Following this would be a slew of new endeavors- including new TV shows, deals with major cruise and hotel chains, theme park attractions, and even more feature films. 2013 would also see DreamWorks Animation with a new distributor with 20th Century Fox (now known as 20th Century Studios). This was meant to cover for the lack of financial stability DreamWorks Pictures was facing at this time.
This deal would be short-lived, as in 2016, DreamWorks Animation was acquired by NBCUniversal- along with acquired rights and assets to the studio. It had been done largely due to the underperformance of several films that caused massive financial losses and job layoffs. Following the acquisition, a new wave of projects was announced, including stronger representation in Universal theme parks. Beginning in 2022, a new logo featuring various DWA characters with the Moon Child flying around and greeting them.
Themes[]
Although the studio's traditionally animated films favored a more serious tone and subject matter, most of their computer-generated films and television series had gained the studio a reputation for being focused on popular culture and satire. Although their most significant successes in recent years have been more story-driven and feature more universal themes.