DreamWorks Animation SKG has formed a strategic alliance with Thomson’s Technicolor Services division to develop animation capabilities in India. The alliance will leverage Thomson’s recent investment in Paprikaas Animation Studios in Bangalore, which will help DreamWorks complete a growing slate of projects as it expands into television via its recently announced deal with Nickelodeon.
Strengthening Paprikaas’ creative, technical and computer animation capabilities will help Thomson reach its goal of becoming a worldwide supplier of animation through Technicolor Services, which has been a leader in post-production services for animated feature films. DreamWorks Animation will assist Technicolor in recruiting, and training of animation talent for the Paprikaas team.
‘Technicolor is a first-class collaborator with which DreamWorks Animation has enjoyed a long-term, successful relationship and we are thrilled to work with Technicolor and Thomson in this exciting new endeavor,’ comments Ann Daly, chief operating officer of DreamWorks Animation. ‘Through this strategic alliance, our objective is to tap into and further develop the gifted talent base in India, with the potential to do the kind of feature-level work for which we are renowned worldwide.’
Paprikaas’ operations have recently relocated to Thomson’s new 100,000-square-foot digital content production facility in Bangalore. The studio currently provides animation services for FARMkids Pty Ltd.’s children’s show FARMkids, which just won Best TV Series award at the Australian Effects and Animation Festival in Sydney.
In addition to making two CG theatrical releases each year, DreamWorks Animation has committed to producing television and may expand to the direct-to-DVD market as well. With the successful holiday special Shrek the Halls under its belt, the studio has teamed with Nickelodeon to produce a TV show based on the penguins from Madagascar, as well with other shows to be announced later.
