GLENDALE, Calif., Dec. 11--PRNewswire/AsiaNet
Spyglass Entertainment and DreamWorks Pictures jointly announced today that they have signed an exclusive first-look, non-exclusive production deal. The announcement was made by Spyglass Co-Chairmen and CEOs Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum and the Co-Head of DreamWorks Pictures Walter F. Parkes and DreamWorks Head of Production Michael De Luca.
The new pact comes even as the two companies are in production on their first collaboration: the upcoming feature film "Seabiscuit," starring Tobey Maguire and Jeff Bridges, under the direction of Gary Ross. The story of the legendary racehorse, "Seabiscuit" will be released in Summer 2003, with Universal Pictures distributing the film domestically and DreamWorks handling the distribution in some international territories. Spyglass will be responsible for the release in most international markets.
In making the announcement, Roger Birnbaum and Gary Barber said, "DreamWorks has not only established a remarkable track record, but we have also come to find that, in many ways, we share a common philosophy and vision about the future of moviemaking. Like us, they are not afraid to take risks, which we feel is a great way to attract the industry's best talents and to foster new ones. From the development and production side, to the marketing and distribution group, DreamWorks has proven to be a dynamic and formidable team. We are looking forward to collaborating with all the members of the DreamWorks team and are excited about the future this new partnership holds for both companies."
Walter F. Parkes stated, "Individually, Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum have been two of the industry's most respected executives for many years. As partners in Spyglass, they have earned even greater admiration for their remarkable eye for talent and commitment to quality entertainment -- as proven right from the start with the unforgettable 'The Sixth Sense'."
Michael De Luca added, "We are thrilled to welcome them and the entire Spyglass family to their new home at DreamWorks for what we are sure will be a long and successful relationship and a new venture we believe will be both creative and productive."
DreamWorks principal Jeffrey Katzenberg added, "I have been fortunate to call Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum both colleagues and friends and am looking forward to beginning this new endeavor with them."
Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum partnered to form Spyglass Entertainment where they share the titles of Co-Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers. They scored a major hit with their first release, the blockbuster thriller "The Sixth Sense" starring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment and written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. With its still-talked-about surprise ending, "The Sixth Sense" earned $661 million worldwide and garnered six Academy Award(R) nominations, including Best Picture. Birnbaum and Barber executive produced Shyamalan's follow-up hit "Unbreakable" also starring Willis.
Spyglass Entertainment's film projects have also included such critical and box office successes as the action comedy "Shanghai Noon" teaming Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson; the romantic comedy "Keeping the Faith" starring Edward Norton, Ben Stiller and Jenna Elfman; the swashbuckling classic "The Count of Monte Cristo" and the thought-provoking drama "Instinct" starring Anthony Hopkins and Cuba Gooding, Jr.
In addition to "Seabiscuit" Spyglass's upcoming films include: the sequel "Shanghai Knights" which reunites Chan and Wilson; the action drama "The Recruit" starring Al Pacino and Colin Farrell; and the comedy "Bruce Almighty" starring Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston and Morgan Freeman, under the direction of Tom Shadyac.
DreamWorks SKG was formed in October 1994 by its three principal partners -- Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen -- to produce live-action motion pictures, animated feature films, network and cable television programming, home video entertainment, records, books, toys and consumer products.
SOURCE: DreamWorks Pictures
CONTACT: Kim Buttlar of Spyglass Susanne Lally of DreamWorks
+1-818-560-3371 +1-818-695-7067
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