DreamWorks Animation Announces Launch of DreamWorks Press

Posted on February 10, 2014

DreamWorks Animation has announced the launch of DreamWorks Press. The new imprint will publish both digital and print books as well as apps. DreamWorks says the its new publishing arm will be an in-house operation. The digital and print books will be distributed through Perseus' Publishers Group West distribution unit.

The department will be run by Emma Whittard, an 18-year veteran of children's publishing. She was previously with Disney Publishing. The department will be supported by Shawn Dennis, Head of Franchise for DreamWorks Animation. Dennis previously oversaw publishing for American Girl.

Dennis said in a statement, "As we continue to grow our brand on a global level, DreamWorks Press will give fans a meaningful way to interact with us on a year-round basis. Publishing is a crucial component of any successful franchise, and owning and developing this capability in-house will give us an unprecedented platform to expand the worlds of our most beloved characters as well as introduce families to new characters from within our library."

The book division will launch in time for the 2014 holiday season. Some of the ebooks, apps and print books will be based on Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, Shrek and the upcoming B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations. DreamWorks says it will also develop books from its DreamWorks Classics portfolio and AwesomenessTV, a recent acquisition.