DreamWorks Animation Names Kelley Avery Worldwide Head of Franchise Strategy
and Distribution
GLENDALE, Calif., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DreamWorks Animation SKG,
Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) today announced that it has named Kelley Avery to the
newly-created position of Worldwide Head of Franchise Strategy and
Distribution. In this new role, Avery's primary responsibility will be to
oversee the development of the studio's global franchise plan, including new
product and business initiatives, distribution of content on physical and
digital platforms, as well as oversight of the Company's existing home
entertainment business.
DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg stated, "With our increased slate
of films and our new franchise initiatives, the time is right to bring in an
executive of Kelley's considerable talent and experience to help us develop
these properties and drive new revenue opportunities across numerous
platforms."
Ann Daly, COO of the Company, added, "We are thrilled to have Kelley join us
at DreamWorks Animation. Her expertise in brand development and unique
knowledge of the marketplace will enable us to move forward with our growth
initiatives as we work to maximize the full potential of our properties
globally. All of her skills will come into play as we look to extend our
beloved characters beyond the movie screen and onto television, the live
stage, online and through exclusive DVD content."
Kelley Avery said, "I am excited about the franchise growth opportunities at
DreamWorks Animation, and am personally thrilled to join the Company during
such an energizing and creative period."
Avery is an accomplished veteran of the entertainment industry, with more than
25 years of experience in a variety of executive roles. Avery joins DreamWorks
Animation from her position as President of Worldwide Home Entertainment for
Paramount Pictures. Under her leadership, Paramount Home Entertainment became
one of the top performing organizations worldwide. Prior to that, Avery headed
the Home Entertainment division of DreamWorks and served in similar roles at
Walt Disney Studios.
About DreamWorks Animation SKG
DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated
feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties
and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world. The Company
has world- class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and
advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. All of DreamWorks Animation's
feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically
released a total of 18 animated feature films, including the franchise
properties "Shrek," "Madagascar" and "Kung Fu Panda."
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This document includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company's plans,
prospects, strategies, proposals and our beliefs and expectations concerning
performance of our current and future releases and anticipated talent,
directors and storyline for our upcoming films and other projects, constitute
forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current
expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry in which
we operate and management's beliefs and assumptions. These statements are not
guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and
assumptions which are difficult to predict. Actual results may vary materially
from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in
economic, business, competitive, technological and/or regulatory factors, and
other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of the business of
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. These risks and uncertainties include:
audience acceptance of our films, our dependence on the success of a limited
number of releases each year, the increasing cost of producing and marketing
feature films, piracy of motion pictures, the effect of rapid technological
change or alternative forms of entertainment and our need to protect our
proprietary technology and enhance or develop new technology. In addition, due
to the uncertainties and risks involved in the development and production of
animated feature projects, the release dates for the projects described in
this document may be delayed. For a further list and description of such risks
and uncertainties, see the reports filed by us with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and
our most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. DreamWorks Animation is under
no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter
its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.
SOURCE DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.
Jeff Hare of DreamWorks Animation Publicity, +1-818-695-8055,
jeff.hare@dreamworks.com; or Shannon Olivas of DreamWorks Animation Corporate
Communications, +1-818-695-3658, shannon.olivas@dreamworks.com
