Editing DreamWorks Animation (section)

== History ==
=== DreamWorks SKG era (1994–2004) ===
{{see also|DreamWorks Pictures}}
On October 12, 1994, a trio of entertainment players, film director and producer [[Steven Spielberg]], former [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] executive [[Jeffrey Katzenberg]], and music executive [[David Geffen]], founded [[DreamWorks Pictures|DreamWorks SKG]] (the three letters taken from the surnames of the founders). To build the talent base, Spielberg brought over artists from his London-based studio, [[Amblimation]], while Katzenberg recruited some of the top animation staff from Disney.<ref name=AWN2DRenaissance>{{cite web|last1=Sito|first1=Tom|title=The Late, Great, 2D Animation Renaissance — Part 2|url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/late-great-2d-animation-renaissance-part-2|website=Animation World Network|access-date=October 16, 2015|date=March 16, 2006|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625002237/https://www.awn.com/animationworld/late-great-2d-animation-renaissance-part-2|url-status=live}}</ref> Some of Amblimation's artists came to DreamWorks in 1995, when the studio's last feature, ''[[Balto (film)|Balto]]'', was completed,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://fmx.de/about-us/boards/advisory-board/shelley-page-dreamworks-animation.html | title=Shelley Page (DreamWorks Animation) | website=FMX.de | access-date=July 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201161237/http://www.fmx.de/about-us/boards/advisory-board/shelley-page-dreamworks-animation.html |archive-date=February 1, 2011}}</ref> with the rest doing so following the studio's closure in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Simon|first1=Sam|title=Balto|url=https://animatedviews.com/2003/laserdisc-archives-balto/|website=Animated Views|access-date=October 16, 2015|date=May 11, 2003|archive-date=September 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906192202/http://animatedviews.com/2003/laserdisc-archives-balto/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1995, DreamWorks signed a co-production deal with [[Pacific Data Images]] to form subsidiary PDI, LLC (PDI owned 60% of PDI, LLC, while DreamWorks SKG owned 40%). This new unit would produce computer-generated feature films, beginning with ''[[Antz]]'' in 1998. In the same year, DreamWorks SKG produced ''[[The Prince of Egypt]]'', which used both CGI technology and traditional animation techniques.

In 1997, DreamWorks partnered with British [[stop-motion]] animation studio [[Aardman Animations]] to co-produce and distribute ''[[Chicken Run]]'' (2000), a stop-motion film already in pre-production with [[Pathé]] taking rights in several European territories.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chicken Run: Deal clinched with DreamWorks & Pathe |url=http://www.telepathy.co.uk/aardman/news/recent/recent10.html |access-date=August 30, 2011 |website=telepathy.co.uk |publisher=Telepathy Ltd |date=December 3, 1997 |archive-date=March 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331112534/http://www.telepathy.co.uk/aardman/news/recent/recent10.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Two years later they extended the deal for an additional four films. With Aardman doing stop-motion and the existing traditional and computer productions, they covered all three major styles of animation.<ref>{{cite news|last=Moerk|first=Christian|title=DW-Aardman pact drawn|url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/dw-aardman-pact-drawn-1117757480/|access-date=September 3, 2011|newspaper=Variety|date=October 27, 1999|archive-date=May 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522043308/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117757480|url-status=live}}</ref> This partnership had DreamWorks participating in the production of stop-motion films in Bristol, and also had Aardman participating in some of the CGI films made in the United States.

Three years later, DreamWorks SKG created DreamWorks Animation, a new business division that would regularly produce both types of animated feature films. The same year DW acquired a majority interest (90%) in PDI, and reformed it into PDI/DreamWorks, the Northern California branch of its new business division.<ref>{{cite web | last=Carlson | first=Wayne | url=https://excelsior.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~carlson/history/tree/pdi.html | title=Pacific Data Images | website=design.osu.edu | publisher=[[Ohio State University]] | access-date=July 4, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811134916/http://design.osu.edu/carlson/history/tree/pdi.html | archive-date=August 11, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In 2001, ''[[Shrek]]'' was released and went on to win the first [[Academy Award]] for [[Academy Award for Best Animated Feature|Best Animated Feature Film]]. Due to the success of CGI animated films, DWA decided the same year to exit hand-drawn animation business after their next two films, ''[[Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron]]'' (2002) and ''[[Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas]]'' (2003), making a total of five hand-drawn films. Beginning with ''[[Shrek 2]]'' (2004), all released films, other than the stop-motion film ''[[Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit]]'' (2005) co-produced with Aardman, were produced with CGI.<ref name="Annual2007">{{cite web | url=https://www.dreamworks.com/2007AR/pdf/DWA_07AR.pdf | title=2007 Annual Report | website=DreamWorks Animation SKG | date=March 17, 2008 | access-date=July 3, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928232607/http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/2007AR/pdf/DWA_07AR.pdf | archive-date=September 28, 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The releases of ''Shrek 2'' and ''[[Shark Tale]]'' also made DWA the first animation studio to produce two CGI animated features in a single year.<ref name="Annual2004">{{cite web | url=http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/DWA/1132307488x0x429592/93F65FFB-C004-4B6F-AF32-A046FF23C9FF/35766-DreamWorks-AR-2004.pdf | title=Annual Report 2004 | publisher=DreamWorks Animation SKG | website=files.shareholder.com | date=March 25, 2005 | access-date=July 4, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529090957/http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/DWA/1132307488x0x429592/93F65FFB-C004-4B6F-AF32-A046FF23C9FF/35766-DreamWorks-AR-2004.pdf | archive-date=May 29, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Public corporation (2004–2016) ===
The animation division was spun off into a publicly traded company under the name '''DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.''' (doing business as '''DreamWorks Animation LLC''') on October 27, 2004, and traded via the [[New York Stock Exchange]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/2004/10/22/cx_sr_1022ipooutlook.html|title=DreamWorks' Animated IPO|work=Forbes|date=October 22, 2004|access-date=April 23, 2025}}</ref>  Katzenberg headed the new division, while Spielberg and Geffen remained on board as investors and consultants.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-05/dreamworks-katzenberg-still-seeks-advice-from-spielberg.html | title=DreamWorks' Katzenberg Still Seeks Advice From Spielberg | first=Andy | last=Fixmer | website=bloomberg.com | publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] | date=December 5, 2013 | access-date=February 24, 2014 | archive-date=March 4, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304113531/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-05/dreamworks-katzenberg-still-seeks-advice-from-spielberg.html | url-status=live }}</ref> DWA also inherited interests in PDI/DreamWorks. They made an agreement with their former parent to distribute all of their films until they delivered twelve new films, or December 12, 2010, whichever came last.<ref name="Annual2004" />

On January 31, 2006, DWA entered into a distribution agreement with [[Paramount Pictures]], which recently acquired DWA's former parent and distribution partner, DreamWorks SKG. The agreement granted Paramount the worldwide rights to distribute all animated films, including all of their previously released animated films, until the delivery of 13 new animated feature films or the expiration date of December 31, 2012, whichever came last.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dreamworks.com/2010AR/docs/114527_008_DreamWorks_BMK.PDF | title=Annual Report 2010 | website=dreamworksanimation.com | publisher=DreamwWorks Animation SKG | date=February 24, 2011 | access-date=July 3, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928232652/http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/2010AR/docs/114527_008_DreamWorks_BMK.PDF | archive-date=September 28, 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit'' was the last film distributed by its former distribution arm and ''[[Over the Hedge]]'' was the first film distributed by Paramount on May 19, 2006.

DWA's partnership with Aardman ended after the release of ''[[Flushed Away]]'' in November 2006, having delivered three out of five films. The announcement was made before the film's release, on October 3, citing "creative differences".<ref>{{cite news | first=Laura M. | last=Holson | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/03/business/media/03animation.html | title=Is Th-Th-That All, Folks? | work=The New York Times | date=October 3, 2006 | access-date=November 17, 2010 | archive-date=December 1, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040106/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D00E7D91430F930A35753C1A9609C8B63&&scp=4&sq=aardman&st=cse | url-status=live }}</ref> DWA retained the co-ownership of rights to all films co-produced with Aardman, with an exception being ''Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit'' (2005), for which they only kept the worldwide distribution rights.<ref name="Annual2007" />

On March 13, 2007, DreamWorks Animation announced it would release all of its films, beginning with ''[[Monsters vs. Aliens]]'' (2009), in stereoscopic 3D.<ref>{{Cite press release | title = DreamWorks Animation Goes 3D |website=ir.dreamworksanimation.com | publisher=DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. | date = March 13, 2007 | url = http://ir.dreamworksanimation.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=540426 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20110818161758/http://ir.dreamworksanimation.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=540426 | url-status = dead | archive-date = August 18, 2011 | access-date = November 6, 2010 }}</ref> Together with [[Intel]], they co-developed a new 3D film-making technology, [[InTru3D]].<ref>{{Cite press release | title = INTEL, DreamWorks Animation Form Strategic Alliance to Revolutionize 3-D Filmmaking Technology | publisher=DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. | date = July 8, 2008 | url = http://ir.dreamworksanimation.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=540764 |website=ir.dreamworksanimation.com | archive-url = https://archive.today/20110818161915/http://ir.dreamworksanimation.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=540764 | url-status = dead | archive-date = August 18, 2011 | access-date = November 6, 2010 }}</ref>
[[File:DreamWorks Animation SKG logo.svg|left|thumb|Print logo without the mascot, used from 2007 to 2018 prior to NBCUniversal's acquisition.]]
In 2008, DWA extended its production pipeline into [[Bangalore]], [[India]], where they established a special unit within [[Technicolor SA|Technicolor]], named DreamWorks Dedicated Unit. The unit is owned by Technicolor, but DreamWorks hires and trains the animators, who then contribute to DreamWorks projects. DDU at first worked only on television specials, such as ''[[Merry Madagascar]]'' (2009), ''[[Scared Shrekless]]'' (2010), and direct-to-video projects.<ref>{{cite web | title=Opportunities in India to work on Dreamworks Featured Projects | url=https://www.siggraph.org//asia2011/exhibitor-tech-talk-detail?id=133 | work=Siggraph | date=December 13, 2011 | access-date=December 16, 2011 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913090124/http://www.siggraph.org/asia2011/exhibitor-tech-talk-detail?id=133 | archive-date=September 13, 2012 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Eventually they started contributing to DreamWorks' feature films as well, beginning with animating part of ''[[Puss in Boots (2011 film)|Puss in Boots]]'' (2011).<ref>{{cite news|title='Puss in Boots' showcases work by India animators for DreamWorks|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-dwa-india-20111029,0,1526743.story|access-date=November 1, 2011|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|first=Richard|last=Verrier|date=October 29, 2011|archive-date=October 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030091507/http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-dwa-india-20111029,0,1526743.story|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, the company moved its shares to the [[Nasdaq|NASDAQ]] as a move designed to save costs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2009/02/dreamworks-goes-to-nasdaq-allens-cashed-out/|title= DreamWorks Goes to NASDAQ; Allen's Cashed Out|work=Animation Magazine|date=17 February 2009|access-date=14 December 2023|first=Tom|last=McLean}}</ref>

Since 2009, the studio has been regularly listed in [[Fortune (magazine)|''Fortune'' Magazine]]'s "100 Best Companies to Work For". As the only entertainment company on the list, they ranked 47th in 2009,<ref>{{cite web | author=Fortune | url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2009/snapshots/47.html | title=100 Best Companies to Work For 2009 | website=money.cnn.com | publisher=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] | date=February 2, 2009 | access-date=October 30, 2010 | archive-date=October 24, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024052905/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2009/snapshots/47.html | url-status=live }}</ref> 6th in 2010,<ref>{{cite web | author=Fortune | url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2010/snapshots/6.html | title=100 Best Companies to Work For 2010 | website=money.cnn.com | publisher=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] | date=February 8, 2010 | access-date=October 30, 2010 | archive-date=November 12, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112001226/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2010/snapshots/6.html | url-status=live }}</ref> 10th in 2011,<ref>{{cite web | author=Fortune | url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2011/snapshots/10.html | title=100 Best Companies to Work For 2011 | website=money.cnn.com | publisher=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] | date=February 7, 2011 | access-date=July 2, 2011 | archive-date=June 23, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623235154/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2011/snapshots/10.html | url-status=live }}</ref> 14th in 2012,<ref>{{cite news|title=Best Companies to Work for 2012|url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/best-companies/2012/snapshots/14.html|access-date=January 19, 2012|newspaper=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]|date=January 19, 2012|archive-date=January 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122010154/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/best-companies/2012/snapshots/14.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and 12th in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|title=DreamWorks Animation - Best Companies to Work For 2013|url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/best-companies/2013/snapshots/12.html?iid=bc_fl_list|access-date=January 19, 2013|website=money.cnn.com|publisher=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]|date=January 17, 2013|archive-date=January 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122054031/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/best-companies/2013/snapshots/12.html?iid=bc_fl_list|url-status=live}}</ref>

Beginning in 2010, the studio had planned to release five feature films over the course of every two years,<ref>{{Cite press release | title = DreamWorks Animation Announces Plans to Release Five Feature Films Every Two Years |website=ir.dreamworksanimation.com | publisher=DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. | date = May 28, 2009 | url = http://ir.dreamworksanimation.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=540593 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20110818161825/http://ir.dreamworksanimation.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=540593 | url-status = dead | archive-date = August 18, 2011 | access-date = October 30, 2010 }}</ref> but the next year the studio revisited their plans, "but beyond 2012, Katzenberg said the studio will play it by year, even if that means abandoning his proclamation that DWA would try to release three pictures in a single year, every other year."<ref>{{cite news | last=Bond | first=Paul | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-animation-retreats-cg-film-161246 | title=DreamWorks Animation Retreats on Film Output Plan | work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=February 24, 2011 | access-date=February 25, 2011 | archive-date=February 28, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228034908/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-animation-retreats-cg-film-161246 | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2010, with the releases of ''[[How to Train Your Dragon (2010 film)|How to Train Your Dragon]]'', ''[[Shrek Forever After]]'', and ''[[Megamind]]'', DWA became the first animation studio that released three feature-length CG-animated films in a year.<ref>{{cite press release|title=DreamWorks Animation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Financial Results|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreamworks-animation-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2010-financial-results-116862013.html|access-date=November 8, 2013|website=PR Newswire|date=February 24, 2011|author=DreamWorks Animation|archive-date=October 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015162213/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreamworks-animation-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2010-financial-results-116862013.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, the company purchased the film rights to the [[Troll doll|Trolls franchise]].<ref name=vty>{{cite news | last=Graser | first=Marc | url=https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/troll-dolls-in-dreamworks-toy-chest-1200350401/ | title=Troll Dolls in DreamWorks' Toy Chest | work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=April 11, 2013 | access-date=August 5, 2013 | archive-date=May 16, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516040131/http://variety.com/2013/biz/news/troll-dolls-in-dreamworks-toy-chest-1200350401/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Diversification and expansion (2012–2015) ====
In July 2012, DreamWorks Animation won a $155 million bid to acquire [[DreamWorks Classics|Classic Media]],<ref name=ClassicMedia>{{cite news|last=Lieberman|first=David|title=DreamWorks Animation Agrees To Pay $155M For Classic Media|url=https://deadline.com/2012/07/dreamworks-animation-buy-classic-media-rocky-bullwinkle-305403/|access-date=July 24, 2012|newspaper=Deadline|date=July 23, 2012|archive-date=July 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724184416/http://www.deadline.com/2012/07/dreamworks-animation-buy-classic-media-rocky-bullwinkle/|url-status=live}}</ref> which has since been renamed to DreamWorks Classics.<ref>{{cite news|last=Venkatesan|first=Adithya|title=DreamWorks to buy Classic Media for $155 million: WSJ|url=https://in.reuters.com/article/us-classicmedia-dreamworks-acquisition/dreamworks-to-buy-classic-media-for-155-million-wsj-idINBRE86M05920120723|access-date=August 13, 2012|newspaper=Reuters|date=July 23, 2012|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922100509/http://in.reuters.com/article/us-classicmedia-dreamworks-acquisition/dreamworks-to-buy-classic-media-for-155-million-wsj-idINBRE86M05920120723|url-status=dead}}</ref> In August 2012, DreamWorks Animation formed a joint venture with Chinese investment companies to establish a [[Shanghai]]-based entertainment company, named [[Oriental DreamWorks]], to develop and produce original Chinese films and their derivatives.<ref>{{cite news|title=Oriental DreamWorks Rewrites Its China Production Strategy|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/oriental-dreamworks-rewrites-its-china-production-strategy-1200601504/#|access-date=November 14, 2013|newspaper=Variety|first=Patrick|last=Frater|date=September 6, 2013|archive-date=November 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114195031/http://variety.com/2013/film/news/oriental-dreamworks-rewrites-its-china-production-strategy-1200601504/|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to a ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' report, DreamWorks Animation was in talks with [[Sony Pictures]] to distribute its upcoming films, such as the 2013 releases of ''[[The Croods]]'' and ''[[Turbo (2013 film)|Turbo]]''. The report also mentioned a possibility where Sony would handle United States distribution while [[20th Century Studios|20th Century Fox]] would handle international distribution. Renewal of the deal with Paramount was also open, but only with more favorable terms for Paramount (they even offered a one-year extension of the deal, but Katzenberg desired to get a better deal).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Horn|first1=John|last2=Fritz|first2=Ben|title=DreamWorks Animation could be headed to Sony|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-dreamworks-animation-sony-20120712,0,6507312.story|access-date=July 18, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=July 13, 2012|archive-date=July 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717005424/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-dreamworks-animation-sony-20120712,0,6507312.story|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Finke|first1=Nikki|title=Paramount Expects DreamWorks Toon Exit; Studio Starts Paramount Animation Unit; Jeff Katzenberg Zeroing In Time Warner|url=https://deadline.com/2011/07/paramount-starting-animation-division-145386/|access-date=July 25, 2017|newspaper=Deadline|date=July 6, 2011|archive-date=September 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922100025/http://deadline.com/2011/07/paramount-starting-animation-division-145386/|url-status=live}}</ref> Around the same time, DreamWorks Animation entered talks with [[Warner Bros.]] for a potential distribution deal as well, only to be turned down by the studio.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fritz |first1=Ben |title=Warner Bros. uninterested in DreamWorks Animation deal |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/07/dreamworks-animation-deal-with-warner-bros-appears-unlikely.html |access-date=February 21, 2020 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=July 29, 2011 |archive-date=February 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221221959/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2011/07/dreamworks-animation-deal-with-warner-bros-appears-unlikely.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2012, DreamWorks Animation signed a five-year distribution deal with 20th Century Fox for all territories.<ref name="Finke">{{cite news|last=Finke|first=Nikki|title=EXCLUSIVE: DreamWorks Animation To Fox For New 5-Year Distribution Deal; Paying Fees Of 8% Theatrical And 6% Digital|url=https://deadline.com/2012/08/exclusive-dreamworks-animation-to-fox-321701/|access-date=August 20, 2012|newspaper=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=August 20, 2012|archive-date=August 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822012707/http://www.deadline.com/2012/08/exclusive-dreamworks-animation-to-fox/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the deal did not include the distribution rights of previously released films, which DWA acquired from Paramount later in 2014.<ref name="VarietyQ22014Earnings">{{cite news|last1=Chney|first1=Alexandra|title=DreamWorks Animation Q2 Earnings Fall Short of Estimates, SEC Investigation Revealed|url=https://variety.com/2014/biz/news/dreamworks-animation-q2-earnings-fall-short-of-estimates-1201271262/|access-date=July 30, 2014|work=Variety|date=July 29, 2014|archive-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623141606/https://variety.com/2014/biz/news/dreamworks-animation-q2-earnings-fall-short-of-estimates-1201271262/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Rise of the Guardians]]'' (2012) was the last DreamWorks Animation film to be distributed by Paramount, and ''The Croods'' became the first DreamWorks Animation film to be distributed by 20th Century Fox.

On April 11, 2013, DreamWorks Animation announced that it has acquired the intellectual property for the [[Troll doll|''Trolls'' franchise]] from the Dam Family and Dam Things. DreamWorks Animation, which has "big plans for the [[Franchising|franchise]]", has become the exclusive worldwide licensor of the merchandise rights, except for Scandinavia, where Dam Things remains the licensor.<ref name=vty/> On May 1, Katzenberg and DWA announced their intent to purchase [[YouTube]] channel [[AwesomenessTV]], which was finalized later in the month.<ref>Lieberman, David. (May 1, 2013). [https://deadline.com/2013/05/dreamworks-animation-agrees-to-pay-33m-for-awesomenesstv-487571/ DreamWorks Animation Agrees To Pay $33M+ For AwesomenessTV] . ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]''.</ref>

The following month, DWA announced a multi-year content deal to provide 300 hours of exclusive original content to the [[video on demand]] Internet [[streaming media]] provider, [[Netflix]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Szalai|first1=George|title=Netflix to Air New DreamWorks Animation Shows|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-air-new-dreamworks-animation-569874|access-date=October 12, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=June 17, 2013|archive-date=October 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025110613/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-air-new-dreamworks-animation-569874|url-status=live}}</ref> Part of the intent of the deal was in part to establish a more reliable income for DWA to defray the financial risk of solely relying on the theatrical film market.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zolmax.com/netflix-secures-deal-with-dreamworks-for-new-shows-nasdaqnflx/75785/ |title=» Netflix Secures Deal With DreamWorks For New Shows (NASDAQ:NFLX) |website=Zolmax |date=June 28, 2013 |access-date=July 8, 2013 |archive-date=July 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703072015/http://zolmax.com/netflix-secures-deal-with-dreamworks-for-new-shows-nasdaqnflx/75785/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The next day, DWA completed a five-year licensing agreement with [[Super RTL]] to start that September for the Classic Media library and the Netflix slate.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Spangler|first1=Todd|title=DreamWorks Animation Sees $100m Revenue This Year From Netflix, Other TV Deals|url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/dreamworks-animation-sees-100m-revenue-this-year-from-netflix-other-tv-deals-1200498406/|access-date=October 12, 2014|work=Variety|date=June 18, 2013|archive-date=December 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219135542/http://variety.com/2013/digital/news/dreamworks-animation-sees-100m-revenue-this-year-from-netflix-other-tv-deals-1200498406/|url-status=live}}</ref> With the Netflix and Super RTL deals in place for television, DWA announced executive hiring for its new television group, DreamWorks Animation Television in late July. Former Nickelodeon senior executive Margie Cohn became Head of Television for the group.<ref>{{cite news|last=Graser|first=Marc|title=Nickelodeon Vet Marjorie Cohn to Run DreamWorks Animation Television|url=https://variety.com/2013/tv/news/nickelodeon-vet-marjorie-cohn-to-run-dreamworks-animation-television-1200570293/|access-date=August 5, 2013|newspaper=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=July 31, 2013|archive-date=August 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130803162608/http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/nickelodeon-vet-marjorie-cohn-to-run-dreamworks-animation-television-1200570293/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September that same year, DreamWorks announced that it has acquired the television library of London-based [[Chapman Entertainment]] with the programs to distributed through DWA's UK-based television distribution operation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vivarelli |first=Nick |title=DreamWorks Animation Buys Chapman Entertainment Library |url=https://variety.com/2013/tv/news/dreamworks-animation-buys-chapman-entertainment-library-1200616294/# |access-date=November 14, 2013 |newspaper=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=September 18, 2013 |archive-date=November 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124050141/http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/dreamworks-animation-buys-chapman-entertainment-library-1200616294/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The next year, in February, DreamWorks announced the foundation of a new publishing division called '''DreamWorks Press''', to publish books in print and digital form.<ref>{{cite news |last=Trachtenberg |first=Jeffrey A. |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304450904579369402273047942 |title=DreamWorks Animation Creates Children's Books Imprint |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=February 10, 2014 |access-date=February 10, 2014 |archive-date=April 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413033722/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304450904579369402273047942 |url-status=live }}</ref> In June, the rights to [[Felix the Cat]] were acquired by DreamWorks Animation from Felix the Cat Productions, owned by Don Oriolo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/dreamworks-animation-acquires-rights-to-felix-the-cat-1201221646/|title=DreamWorks Animation Buys Felix the Cat|last=McNary|first=Dave|date=June 17, 2014|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=June 17, 2014|archive-date=June 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628204955/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/dreamworks-animation-acquires-rights-to-felix-the-cat-1201221646/|url-status=live}}</ref> The same month, [[DreamWorksTV (YouTube channel)|DreamWorksTV]] channel debuted on YouTube and operated by AwesomenessTV.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Verrier|first1=Richard|last2=Chang|first2=Andrea|title=DreamWorks Animation launches family-oriented YouTube channel|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-dreamworks-animation-youtube-20140617-story.html|access-date=June 18, 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|date=June 17, 2014|archive-date=June 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617233712/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-dreamworks-animation-youtube-20140617-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> DreamWorks Animation then purchased Paramount's distribution rights to the pre-2013 library in July, and since then, DreamWorks Animation's then-distribution partner 20th Century Fox has distributed the library on their behalf until 2018, in which DreamWorks Animation's parent company [[Universal Pictures]] has assumed these responsibilities.<ref name="VarietyQ22014Earnings" />

The studio was reported to be acquired twice in the end of 2014. First, it was reported in September that the Japanese conglomerate [[SoftBank Group|SoftBank]] was in talks to acquire DreamWorks Animation for a price of $3.4 billion,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Krolicki|first1=Kevin|last2=Bansal|first2=Paritosh|title=Japan's SoftBank in talks to buy DreamWorks: source|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-dreamworks-anim-softbank-idUSKCN0HN03F20140928|access-date=November 15, 2014|work=Reuters.com|publisher=Thomson Reuters|date=September 28, 2014|archive-date=March 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311014334/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-dreamworks-anim-softbank-idUSKCN0HN03F20140928|url-status=live}}</ref> but the next day, it was reported that SoftBank had withdrawn its offer.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Schwartzel|first1=Erich|last2=Mattioli|first2=Dana|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/softbank-dreamworks-animation-talks-cool-1412025651|title=SoftBank, DreamWorks Animation Talks Cool|date=September 29, 2014|access-date=November 15, 2014|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|archive-date=December 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230233858/http://www.wsj.com/articles/softbank-dreamworks-animation-talks-cool-1412025651|url-status=live}}</ref> Next on November 12, it was reported that [[Hasbro]] was in talks to buy DreamWorks Animation in November. The proposal reportedly calls for the combined company to take the name "DreamWorks-Hasbro" and for Jeffrey Katzenberg to become its chairman, but as a matter of policy, neither Hasbro nor DWA publicly comment on mergers and acquisitions.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lieberman|first1=David|last2=Patten|first2=Dominic|title=DreamWorks Animation & Hasbro In Merger Talks; Deal With Hearst Looming|url=https://deadline.com/2014/11/dreamworks-animation-hasbro-merger-negotiations-in-works-1201282751/|access-date=November 15, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|publisher=Penske Business Media|date=November 12, 2014|archive-date=November 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115075936/http://deadline.com/2014/11/dreamworks-animation-hasbro-merger-negotiations-in-works-1201282751/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two days later, the talks were reported to have fallen through.<ref>{{cite news|last1=de la Merced|first1=Michael J.|last2=Barnes|first2=Brooks|title=Hasbro Said to End Talks to Take Over DreamWorks Animation|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/11/14/hasbro-said-to-end-talks-to-take-over-dreamworks-animation/|access-date=November 15, 2014|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 14, 2014|archive-date=November 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115103415/http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/11/14/hasbro-said-to-end-talks-to-take-over-dreamworks-animation/|url-status=live}}</ref>

DreamWorks Animation announced their launch into the television broadcasting business on December 9, 2014, by creating their own channel called the [[DreamWorks Channel]]. With [[HBO Asia]] handling affiliate sales, marketing and technical services, the network launched in several Asian countries (except China and Japan) in the second half of 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bond|first1=Paul|title=DreamWorks Animation to Launch TV Channel in Asia|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-animation-launch-tv-channel-755631|access-date=December 10, 2014|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=December 9, 2014|archive-date=June 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629023717/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dreamworks-animation-launch-tv-channel-755631|url-status=live}}</ref> The channel first premiered in English on August 1, 2015, and a [[Thai language|Thai]]-dubbed channel launched in September 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=DreamWorks to launch first dedicated channel in Thailand|first=David|last=Blecken|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/dreamworks-launch-first-dedicated-channel-thailand/1358017|access-date=August 3, 2015|work=Campaign|date=July 29, 2015|archive-date=August 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813204355/http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/dreamworks-launch-first-dedicated-channel-thailand/1358017|url-status=live}}</ref> Also in December, DWA sold a 25% stake in AwesomenessTV for $81.25 million to the [[Hearst Communications|Hearst Corporation]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Verrier|first1=Richard|title=Hearst Corp. buys 25% stake in AwesomenessTV|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-dreamworks-hearst-20141211-story.html|access-date=December 16, 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|date=December 11, 2014|archive-date=December 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216062614/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-dreamworks-hearst-20141211-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 5, 2015, DreamWorks Animation announced that [[Bonnie Arnold]], producer of the ''[[How to Train Your Dragon]]'' series and [[Mireille Soria]], producer of the ''[[Madagascar (franchise)|Madagascar]]'' series were named co-presidents of the studio's feature animation division. At the same time, it was also announced that [[Bill Damaschke]] would step down from his position as Chief Creative Officer. So far, under Arnold and Soria's current tenure they signed [[Jason Reitman]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/05/jason-reitman-beekle-book-adaptation-dreamworks-animation-1201433534/|title=Jason Reitman Takes On 'Beekle' Book Adaptation For DreamWorks Animation|first=Dominic|last=Patten|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=May 27, 2015|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=December 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214132210/https://deadline.com/2015/05/jason-reitman-beekle-book-adaptation-dreamworks-animation-1201433534/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Edgar Wright]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/634723-edgar-wright-to-direct-dreamworks-animations-movie-on-shadows|title=Edgar Wright to Direct DreamWorks Animation's Movie on Shadows|date=November 19, 2015|work=ComingSoon.net|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=February 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211210406/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/634723-edgar-wright-to-direct-dreamworks-animations-movie-on-shadows|url-status=live}}</ref> to work on their own animation debuts. Two weeks later, PDI/DreamWorks completely shut down as part of its parent company's larger restructuring efforts due to the box office underperformance of ''[[Mr. Peabody & Sherman]]'' and ''[[Penguins of Madagascar]]'' (both 2014), cutting 500 jobs.<ref>{{cite news|title=BREAKING: DreamWorks Will Shut Down PDI/DreamWorks Studio; 500 Jobs Will Be Eliminated|url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/business/breaking-dreamworks-animation-will-shut-down-pdidreamworks-studio-over-500-jobs-will-be-eliminated-108161.html|newspaper=Cartoon Brew|date=January 22, 2015|first=Amid |author-link=Amid Amidi|last=Amidi|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=July 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730024759/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/business/breaking-dreamworks-animation-will-shut-down-pdidreamworks-studio-over-500-jobs-will-be-eliminated-108161.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Universal Pictures era (2016–present) ===
On April 28, 2016, [[Comcast]] officially announced that its [[NBCUniversal]] division intended on acquiring DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion, valuing the company at $41 per share.<ref name="Film Industry Network">{{cite news |title=COMCAST CONFIRMS IT WILL BUY DREAMWORKS ANIMATION |url=https://filmindustry.network/comcast-confirms-will-buy-dreamworks-animation/30974 |publisher=Film Industry Network |date=April 28, 2016 |access-date=June 30, 2019 |archive-date=March 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303144750/https://filmindustry.network/comcast-confirms-will-buy-dreamworks-animation/30974 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jeffrey Katzenberg was to remain involved in the company as head of DreamWorks New Media, but was to cede control of the studio to [[Illumination (company)|Illumination]]'s CEO [[Chris Meledandri]], who would oversee both.<ref name="lat-comcastbuy">{{cite web |title=Comcast's NBCUniversal buys DreamWorks Animation in $3.8-billion deal |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-nbcuniversal-buys-dreamworks--20160428-story.html |first=Meg |last=James |date=April 28, 2016 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=April 28, 2016 |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615004957/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-nbcuniversal-buys-dreamworks--20160428-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The sale was approved by board members, but subject to regulatory approval.<ref name="wp-nbcdwa">{{cite news|title=Comcast is buying Dreamworks in a $3.8 billion acquisition|first=Brian|last=Fung|date=April 28, 2016|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/04/28/comcast-is-buying-dreamworks-in-a-3-8-billion-acquisition/|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=May 1, 2016|archive-date=April 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429134321/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2016/04/28/comcast-is-buying-dreamworks-in-a-3-8-billion-acquisition/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=How A DreamWorks-Illumination Combo Beats Disney At The B.O.|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|url=https://deadline.com/2016/04/dreamworks-animation-illumination-entertainment-box-office-disney-1201746534/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=April 29, 2016|access-date=May 2, 2016|archive-date=May 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502095403/http://deadline.com/2016/04/dreamworks-animation-illumination-entertainment-box-office-disney-1201746534/|url-status=live}}</ref>  At Guggenheim Partners' TMT Symposium, NBCUniversal CEO [[Steve Burke (businessman)|Steve Burke]] discussed how the purchase of DWA would fit into its business strategies. Burke explained that Meledandri planned to "take a lot of the existing DreamWorks franchises and add value as we create new franchises", and that the main goal was to "[take] the low-single-digit returns of the movie business and turn it into a different kind of business" by creating new [[intellectual property]] that can be merchandised and adapted into theme park attractions. Burke reaffirmed a commitment to animated features, stating that [[Universal Pictures]] would be able to release as many as four animated films per-year, divided between DreamWorks and Illumination. Burke also outlined that the purchase would be beneficial to Universal's expanding presence in China (where it was building a new [[Universal Studios Beijing|Universal Studios park]] in Beijing).<ref>{{cite web|title=NBCUniversal Execs Reassure DreamWorks Animation Staffers They Are Committed to More Animated Features|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nbcuniversal-execs-reassure-dreamworks-animation-890873|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=May 4, 2016|access-date=May 5, 2016|archive-date=May 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505025703/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nbcuniversal-execs-reassure-dreamworks-animation-890873|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NBCU Chief Looks To Revive 'Shrek' And Sales From DreamWorks Animation Deal|url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/steve-burke-nbcuniversal-revive-shrek-sales-dreamworks-animation-deal-1201772640/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 14, 2016|access-date=June 15, 2016|archive-date=April 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423131423/https://deadline.com/2016/06/steve-burke-nbcuniversal-revive-shrek-sales-dreamworks-animation-deal-1201772640/|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 21, the acquisition was approved by the [[United States Department of Justice]].<ref name="deadline-dojapprove">{{cite web|title=Antitrust Officials Clear Comcast's $3.8B DreamWorks Animation Acquisition|url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/justice-department-clears-comcast-acquisition-dreamworks-animation-1201776808/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 21, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016|archive-date=June 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622132756/http://deadline.com/2016/06/justice-department-clears-comcast-acquisition-dreamworks-animation-1201776808/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Julia|last=Boorstin|title=NBCUniversal's Ron Meyer: Here's why we bought Dreamworks Animation|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/07/07/nbcuniversals-ron-meyer-heres-why-we-bought-dreamworks-animation.html|work=CNBC|date=July 7, 2016|access-date=September 9, 2017|archive-date=August 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804060014/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/07/07/nbcuniversals-ron-meyer-heres-why-we-bought-dreamworks-animation.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The purchase was closed on August 22, 2016; the company now operates as a subsidiary of [[Universal Pictures]].<ref name="deadline-completed">{{cite web|title=Comcast Completes Its $3.8B DreamWorks Animation Purchase|url=https://deadline.com/2016/08/comcast-completes-dreamworks-animation-purchase-1201807164/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=August 22, 2016|access-date=August 23, 2016|archive-date=August 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823100053/http://deadline.com/2016/08/comcast-completes-dreamworks-animation-purchase-1201807164/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="lat-closed">{{cite web|title=Comcast's NBCUniversal completes purchase of DreamWorks Animation|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-comcast-dreamworks-deal-complete-20160822-snap-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=August 23, 2016|access-date=August 23, 2016|archive-date=August 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823165212/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-comcast-dreamworks-deal-complete-20160822-snap-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> DreamWorks Animation's last films distributed by 20th Century Fox were ''[[Trolls (film)|Trolls]]'' (November 2016), ''[[The Boss Baby]]'' (March 2017) and ''[[Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie]]'' (June 2017), and their first film distributed by Universal was ''[[How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World]]'' (2019).<ref name="the-croods2delay">{{cite web|title='Croods 2' Release Delayed Amid DreamWorks Animation Sale|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/croods-2-release-delayed-dreamworks-918493|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 9, 2016|access-date=August 23, 2016|archive-date=October 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011161909/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/croods-2-release-delayed-dreamworks-918493|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="wsj-newleadership" />

Although a spokesperson stated that Meledandri would work with [[Universal Pictures]] to determine "the most effective path forward for Illumination and DreamWorks Animation", he did not take over DreamWorks as was previously announced, and the two studios remain separate. Arnold and Soria retained their positions as co-presidents of DreamWorks' Feature Animation division, while Margie Cohn would lead a television animation division for the entire [[Universal Studios, Inc.|Universal Studios group]]. DreamWorks' digital, marketing, consumer products, and gaming divisions were absorbed into NBCUniversal.<ref name="wsj-newleadership">{{cite news|title=NBCUniversal Unveils New Leadership Structure at DreamWorks|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/nbcuniversal-unveils-new-leadership-structure-at-dreamworks-1471981256|website=Wall Street Journal|date=August 23, 2016|access-date=August 24, 2016|last1=Schwartzel|first1=Erich|archive-date=October 6, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171006221352/https://www.wsj.com/articles/nbcuniversal-unveils-new-leadership-structure-at-dreamworks-1471981256|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=August 23, 2016|first=Mia|last=Galuppo|title=NBCUniversal Unveils New DreamWorks Annimation Senior Management|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nbcuniversal-unveils-new-dreamworks-annimation-922057|website=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=September 3, 2016|archive-date=August 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827094502/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/nbcuniversal-unveils-new-dreamworks-annimation-922057|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Chinese Government Probing Comcast's DreamWorks Acquisition|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/chinese-government-probing-comcasts-dreamworks-acquisition/|website=Animation Magazine|date=September 2, 2016|access-date=September 3, 2016|archive-date=September 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904160614/http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/chinese-government-probing-comcasts-dreamworks-acquisition/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NBCU Drops the Axe on 200 DreamWorks Jobs|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/nbcu-drops-the-axe-on-200-dreamworks-jobs/|website=Animation Magazine|date=September 15, 2016|access-date=September 16, 2016|archive-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916132315/http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/nbcu-drops-the-axe-on-200-dreamworks-jobs/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=DreamWorks Layoffs Hit Glendale with 170 to Go|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/people/dreamworks-layoffs-hit-glendale-with-170-to-go/|website=Animation Magazine|date=December 2, 2016|access-date=December 2, 2016|archive-date=December 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203011106/http://www.animationmagazine.net/people/dreamworks-layoffs-hit-glendale-with-170-to-go/|url-status=live}}</ref>  On December 21, 2016, Soria stepped down from her position as co-president of DreamWorks' Feature Animation division.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/mireille-soria-exits-dreamworks-animation-1201947222/|title=Mireille Soria Steps Down as DreamWorks Animation Co-President (EXCLUSIVE)|work=Variety|date=December 21, 2016|access-date=December 22, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222152324/http://variety.com/2016/film/news/mireille-soria-exits-dreamworks-animation-1201947222/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/dreamworks-animation-co-president-mireille-soria-steps/|title=DreamWorks Animation Co-President Mireille Soria Steps Down|work=The Wrap|date=December 21, 2016|access-date=December 22, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222045736/http://www.thewrap.com/dreamworks-animation-co-president-mireille-soria-steps/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/studios/breaking-mireille-soria-dreamworks-animations-co-president-146837.html|title=Breaking: Mireille Soria Out As Dreamworks Animation's Co-President|website=Cartoon Brew|date=December 22, 2016|access-date=December 22, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222153659/http://www.cartoonbrew.com/studios/breaking-mireille-soria-dreamworks-animations-co-president-146837.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2017, [[Christopher DeFaria]] joined DreamWorks Animation in the newly created position of president of the DreamWorks Feature Animation Group.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dreamworks-animation-finds-new-ceo-warner-bros-veteran-963186|title=DreamWorks Animation Finds New Chief in Warner Bros. Veteran (Exclusive)|newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=January 12, 2017|archive-date=January 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112012812/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/dreamworks-animation-finds-new-ceo-warner-bros-veteran-963186|url-status=live}}</ref> As president, DeFaria oversaw all aspects of DWA's feature animation business, including slate strategy, development, production; innovation and technology; and business affairs.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://kidscreen.com/2017/01/26/dreamworks-acquisition-boosts-comcasts-q4-results/|title=DreamWorks acquisition boosts Comcast's Q4 results|website=Kidscreen|access-date=January 27, 2017|archive-date=January 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127092129/http://kidscreen.com/2017/01/26/dreamworks-acquisition-boosts-comcasts-q4-results/|url-status=live}}</ref>  On August 1, it was announced that DreamWorks Animation and [[Blumhouse Productions]] would be working on Blumhouse's first animated film, ''Spooky Jack''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/spooky-jack-dreamworks-animation-blumhouse-animated-scary-film-robert-ben-garant-1202140279/|title=DreamWorks Animation, Blumhouse Team For Animated Pic 'Spooky Jack'|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=August 1, 2017|website=Deadline|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802004307/https://deadline.com/2017/08/spooky-jack-dreamworks-animation-blumhouse-animated-scary-film-robert-ben-garant-1202140279/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was initially set to be released on September 17, 2021, but was removed from the release schedule as ''[[The Bad Guys (film)|The Bad Guys]]'' (2022) took over its release date.<ref name="bloody-disgusting.com">{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3460035/blumhouse-animated-film-spooky-jack-gets-distant-release-date/|title=Blumhouse Animated Film 'Spooky Jack' Gets Distant Release Date - Bloody Disgusting|website=bloody-disgusting.com|date=September 19, 2017|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=September 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919234659/https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3460035/blumhouse-animated-film-spooky-jack-gets-distant-release-date/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=October 7, 2019|title=DreamWorks Animation & Universal To Release 'Spirit Riding Free' & 'The Bad Guys' In 2021|url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/dreamworks-animation-2021-releases-spirit-riding-free-the-bad-guys-1202753767/|access-date=June 26, 2021|website=Deadline|language=en-US|archive-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205053635/https://deadline.com/2019/10/dreamworks-animation-2021-releases-spirit-riding-free-the-bad-guys-1202753767/|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 6, it was announced that Abhijay Prakash would be COO of DWA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/10/dreamworks-animation-abhijay-prakash-coo-focus-features-1202183566/|title=Focus Features Chief Abhijay Prakash Will Join DreamWorks Animation As COO|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|date=October 6, 2017|website=Deadline|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=February 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202213850/https://deadline.com/2017/10/dreamworks-animation-abhijay-prakash-coo-focus-features-1202183566/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was later promoted to president of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group in February 2019 following the release of ''How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World'',<ref name="UFEGLineup">{{cite news |last1=Hipes |first1=Patrick |title=Universal Solidifies Film Execs Under New Chairman Donna Langley |url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/universal-film-group-executives-donna-langley-promotions-1202546806/ |access-date=July 10, 2019 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=January 31, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=July 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711025431/https://deadline.com/2019/01/universal-film-group-executives-donna-langley-promotions-1202546806/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and DreamWorks Animation subsequently hired former [[Sony Pictures Imageworks]] head Randy Lake as the new chief operating officer of the company three months later.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vlessing |first1=Etan |title=Randy Lake Named COO of DreamWorks Animation |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/randy-lake-named-coo-dreamworks-animation-1210974 |access-date=May 15, 2019 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=May 15, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=May 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515221242/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/randy-lake-named-coo-dreamworks-animation-1210974 |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 13, 2017, it was announced that DreamWorks Animation had started a shorts program, called DreamWorks Shorts, which would show original animated short films before DWA's feature films, much akin to what [[Pixar]] and [[Walt Disney Animation Studios]] do for their feature films. The first short film to be produced under the program was ''[[Bird Karma]]'', which premiered in Spring 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/1202613777-1202613777/|title=DreamWorks Animation Launches Shorts Program With 'Bird Karma'|work=Variety|last1=Horst|first1=Carole|date=November 13, 2017|access-date=November 15, 2017|archive-date=November 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114020658/http://variety.com/2017/film/news/1202613777-1202613777/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On February 2, 2018, CMC Capital Partners bought DreamWorks', Shanghai Media Group's, and Shanghai Alliance Investment's stakes in Oriental DreamWorks, owning the studio in its entirety; Oriental DreamWorks was later renamed to [[Pearl Studio]]. Pearl Studio collaborated with DreamWorks to produce ''[[Abominable (2019 film)|Abominable]]'' (2019), with the film's original director, Jill Culton, returning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/business/oriental-dreamworks-relaunches-100-chinese-owned-pearl-studio-156372.html|title=Oriental Dreamworks Relaunches As 100% Chinese-Owned Pearl Studio|last1=Amidi|first1=Amid |author-link=Amid Amidi|website=Cartoon Brew|date=February 2, 2018|access-date=February 2, 2018|archive-date=February 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203000222/http://www.cartoonbrew.com/business/oriental-dreamworks-relaunches-100-chinese-owned-pearl-studio-156372.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 27, DreamWorks Animation announced that Kelly Betz has been promoted as Chief Financial Officer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/dreamworks-animation-kelly-betz-cfo-promotion-1202304902/|title=DWA Elevates Kelly Betz To CFO|first=Patrick|last=Hipes|date=February 27, 2018|website=Deadline|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-date=February 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220201316/https://deadline.com/2018/02/dreamworks-animation-kelly-betz-cfo-promotion-1202304902/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 2, [[Hulu]] announced its first license deal with DreamWorks Animation, becoming the exclusive streaming home for future DWA feature films, as well as library films. DWA had streamed exclusively through Netflix since 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gruenwedel|first1=Erik|title=Hulu Tops 20 Million Subs, Inks First Deal with DreamWorks Animation|url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/hulu-tops-20-million-subs-inks-first-deal-with-dreamworks-animation/|access-date=May 2, 2018|work=Media Play News|date=May 2, 2018|archive-date=May 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503041617/https://www.mediaplaynews.com/hulu-tops-20-million-subs-inks-first-deal-with-dreamworks-animation/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 25, 2018, [[Paramount Media Networks|Viacom Media Networks]] announced that it was in talks to acquire AwesomenessTV for a fraction of the company's $650 million valuation in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Spangler|first1=Todd|title=Viacom in Talks to Buy AwesomenessTV|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/viacom-acquiring-awesomenesstv-1202883852/|access-date=July 27, 2018|work=Variety|date=July 25, 2018|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726111511/https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/viacom-acquiring-awesomenesstv-1202883852/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hayes|first1=Dade|title=Viacom In Talks To Acquire AwesomenessTV At Attractive Discount|url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/viacom-in-talks-to-acquire-awesomenesstv-at-attractive-discount-1202433160/|access-date=July 27, 2018|work=Deadline|date=July 25, 2018|archive-date=July 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728035718/https://deadline.com/2018/07/viacom-in-talks-to-acquire-awesomenesstv-at-attractive-discount-1202433160/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two days later on July 27, 2018, Viacom officially acquired AwesomenessTV for $25–50 million and integrated the company into Viacom Digital Studios. [[Jordan Levin]] left his position as CEO following the acquisition.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Spangler|first1=Todd|title=Viacom Acquires AwesomenessTV; CEO Jordan Levin to Depart|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/viacom-acquires-awesomenesstv-jordan-levin-exit-1202888377/|access-date=July 27, 2018|work=Variety|date=July 27, 2018|archive-date=July 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727202339/https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/viacom-acquires-awesomenesstv-jordan-levin-exit-1202888377/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Chmielewski|first1=Dawn|title=Viacom Acquires AwesomenessTV; CEO Jordan Levin To Depart|url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/viacom-acquires-awesomenesstv-ceo-jordan-levin-departs-1202435179/|access-date=July 27, 2018|work=Deadline|date=July 27, 2018|archive-date=July 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727213132/https://deadline.com/2018/07/viacom-acquires-awesomenesstv-ceo-jordan-levin-departs-1202435179/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the deal does not include the DreamWorksTV YouTube channel, which is still retained by NBCUniversal, where it was integrated into NBCU Digital Enterprises Group, a new digital entertainment division led by President Maggie Suniewick.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/viacom-awesomenesstv-deal-value-dreamworkstv-nbcu-1202889801/|title=Viacom's AwesomenessTV Deal Worth More Than $50 Million: Sources|date=July 30, 2018|access-date=August 10, 2018|archive-date=August 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819060731/https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/viacom-awesomenesstv-deal-value-dreamworkstv-nbcu-1202889801/|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 30, 2018, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported that the deal is worth at least $50 million.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |title=Viacom's AwesomenessTV Deal Worth More Than $50 Million: Sources |url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/viacom-awesomenesstv-deal-value-dreamworkstv-nbcu-1202889801/ |website=Variety |date=July 30, 2018 |access-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-date=August 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819060731/https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/viacom-awesomenesstv-deal-value-dreamworkstv-nbcu-1202889801/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On November 6, 2018, it was announced that Meledandri would be helping Universal and DreamWorks to revive the [[Shrek (franchise)|''Shrek'' franchise]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/shrek-puss-in-boots-reboot-1203020785/|title='Shrek,' 'Puss in Boots' Getting Rebooted (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Lang|first=Brett|date=November 6, 2018|work=Variety|access-date=November 6, 2018|archive-date=November 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106210745/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/shrek-puss-in-boots-reboot-1203020785/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lang|first=Brent|title=How Chris Meledandri Became the Most Powerful Man in Animation|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/features/chris-meledandri-illumination-minions-the-grinch-1203020068/|work=Variety|access-date=November 6, 2018|date=November 6, 2018|archive-date=November 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108210137/https://variety.com/2018/film/features/chris-meledandri-illumination-minions-the-grinch-1203020068/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-12/in-dismal-summer-despicable-me-3-producer-delivers-1-billion|title=In Dismal Summer, 'Despicable Me 3' Producer Delivers $1 Billion|last1=Palmeri|first1=Christopher|last2=Sakoui|first2=Anousha|website=Bloomberg Businessweek|date=September 12, 2017|access-date=January 29, 2018|archive-date=September 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929135104/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-12/in-dismal-summer-despicable-me-3-producer-delivers-1-billion|url-status=live}}</ref> Meledandri intends, however, to retain the original voice actors, as he pointed out they were perhaps the most memorable parts of the series. The first film in this collaboration, ''[[Puss in Boots: The Last Wish]]'', on which Meledandri served as executive producer, was released in December 2022 to universal acclaim and commercial success.<ref>{{cite news |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |title=''Puss In Boots'' Takes Over 'Super Mario' Christmas 2022 Release Date |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/puss-in-boots-the-last-wish-release-date-1235009625/ |access-date=April 26, 2022 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |date=April 25, 2022 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426012112/https://deadline.com/2022/04/puss-in-boots-the-last-wish-release-date-1235009625/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 9, 2019, DeFaria stepped down from his position as president of the company, with [[DreamWorks Animation Television]] head Margie Cohn promoted to oversee all film and television operations.<ref name="DeFariaQuits">{{cite news |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Anthony |title=Chris deFaria Exiting DreamWorks Animation As President; DWA TV Boss Margie Cohn Takes Over |url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/dreamworks-animation-shakeup-chris-defaria-president-leaving-margie-cohn-promoted-to-head-1202532334/ |access-date=January 9, 2019 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |date=January 9, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110011102/https://deadline.com/2019/01/dreamworks-animation-shakeup-chris-defaria-president-leaving-margie-cohn-promoted-to-head-1202532334/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 16, 2020, five new DreamWorks Animation shows were announced for Hulu and NBCUniversal's new video streaming service [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]].<ref name="Pedersen">{{cite web|last=Pedersen|first=Erik|title=Peacock Programming: List Of NBCUniversal Streaming Service's Series, Films, Sports, News & More|url=https://deadline.com/feature/peacock-tv-nbc-universal-streaming-service-1202832718/|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=January 16, 2020|access-date=January 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117023637/https://deadline.com/feature/peacock-tv-nbc-universal-streaming-service-1202832718/|archive-date=January 17, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 5, 2022, DreamWorks announced plans to release their rendering software [[MoonRay]] as an [[open-source software]] in late 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sarto |first1=Dan |title=DreamWorks Animation to Release MoonRay as Open Source |url=https://www.awn.com/news/dreamworks-animation-release-moonray-open-source |access-date=November 28, 2022 |work=[[Animation World Network]] |date=August 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lang |first1=Jamie |title=Dreamworks' Moonray Rendering Software Is Going Open Source |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/tech/dreamworks-moonray-rendering-software-open-source-219507.html |access-date=November 28, 2022 |work=Cartoon Brew |date=August 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Milligan |first1=Mercedes |title=DreamWorks Animation to Release MoonRay Renderer as Open Source Software |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2022/08/dreamworks-animation-to-release-moonray-renderer-as-open-source-software/ |access-date=November 28, 2022 |work=Animation Magazine |date=August 5, 2022}}</ref> It was released on March 15, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=DreamWorks Animation Announces the Release of MoonRay as Open Source Software |url=https://openmoonray.org/MoonRay_Open_Source_Launch_Press_Release.pdf |access-date=10 January 2024 |date=March 15, 2023}}</ref>

On October 6, 2023, [[Cartoon Brew]] reported that DreamWorks Animation was moving away from producing films in-house at their Glendale campus to rely more heavily on outside studios after 2024, as part of a layoff by chief operating officer Randy Lake in a series of meetings the previous month; low morale was also reported. According to the report, [[Sony Pictures Imageworks]] was named as the animation service for one of two unannounced films scheduled for 2025, the film being a sequel. The film would use a "mixed production model", in which pre-production would be done in-house at DreamWorks along with approximately 50% of the asset build and one hour of production, while Imageworks will handle the other 50% of asset builds and 20 minutes of shot production.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Amidi |first1=Amid |author-link=Amid Amidi |title=Dreamworks Shifting Away From In-House Production In Los Angeles; Sony Imageworks Is A New Production Partner |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/studios/dreamworks-shifting-away-from-in-house-production-in-los-angeles-sony-imageworks-is-new-production-partner-233466.html |website=Cartoon Brew |access-date=8 October 2023 |date=6 October 2023}}</ref> The film was later revealed to be ''[[The Bad Guys 2]]''.

In November 2024, DreamWorks Animation celebrated its 30th anniversary, while it was revealed that the company would venture into live-action filmmaking for the first time with its involvement on the live-action remake of ''[[How to Train Your Dragon (2025 film)|How to Train Your Dragon]]'', set for release in 2025.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/nbcuniversal-celebrates-dreamworks-film-television-theme-parks-products |title=30 Years of DreamWorks Animation: How NBCUniversal Celebrates DreamWorks Across Film, Television, Theme Parks and Products |publisher=Comcast |date=October 16, 2024 |access-date=January 22, 2025}}</ref>