DreamWorks Animation has launched DreamWorks Press as its first in-house publishing division.
New operation, to be run by Emma Whittard, will publish digital and print books, as well as apps, featuring characters from DreamWorks’ films and franchises, including “Kung Fu Panda,” “Madagascar,” “Shrek” and the upcoming “B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations.” Other titles will delve into the Classic Media portfolio of properties, as well. The first wave of books will launch in time for the 2014 holiday season, the company said.
Publishing arm is the latest business DreamWorks Animation is expanding into after recently announcing it will pair up with Fuhu on a kids tablet to distribute all forms of entertainment. It’s clear DreamWorks’ new book-based apps will also be featured on the device.
SEE ALSO: DreamWorks Animation Launches Tablet for Kids with Fuhu
The Perseus Books Group will handle the sale and distribution of DreamWorks Press’ digital and print books through Perseus’ Publishers Group West unit.
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Whittard has spent the past 18 years working in the kids publishing space, eight of which were at Disney.
Shawn Dennis, DreamWorks Animation’s head of franchise, will also work closely with DreamWorks Press. Dennis previously oversaw publishing for American Girl.
“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,” Dennis said. “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.”
