Universal Pictures and Amblin Partners, a new company announced today by DreamWorks Studios, Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment and Entertainment One (eOne), will enter into a multi-year partnership in which Universal will market and distribute films produced by Amblin Partners domestically and in select international territories. The announcement was made by Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Jeff Shell; Chairman, Universal Pictures, Donna Langley; Amblin Partners Founder, Steven Spielberg; and Participant Media Chairman, Jeff Skoll.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to be back in business with Steven,” commented Shell and Langley. “His iconic films have stood the test of time and are embraced by audiences around the world. We look forward to working with Steven and Amblin Partners as we build on 2015’s record-breaking year.”
Under terms of the agreement, Universal Pictures and Focus Features will handle distribution and marketing for approximately four to seven Amblin Partners films each year. The first title, The Girl on the Train, will be released in October 2016.
“The same magnet that pulled me to Universal when I first wanted to make movies is bringing me home again to this new exciting relationship,” said Spielberg. “It is my hope that we can make some more beautiful music together.”
Added NBCUniversal Vice Chairman, Ron Meyer: “Universal is and has always been Steven’s home. The longevity of my personal and professional relationship makes this especially rewarding and we are proud to continue our association with Steven and the quality films he produces.”
“Having a strategic distribution partner with the pedigree and depth of Universal allows our new venture to be poised for success right out of the gate,” said Skoll.
About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation
About Amblin Partners
Amblin Partners is a content creation company formed by DreamWorks Studios, Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment and Entertainment One (eOne). The company develops and produces films using the Amblin, DreamWorks and Participant banners and includes Amblin Television, a longtime leader in quality programming.
Film projects in various stages of production include: The BFG, and The Light Between Oceans, scheduled for release by Disney in 2016; The Girl on the Train, scheduled for release by Universal in October 2016; A Dog’s Purpose, scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2017 and Ready Player One, a co-production between Amblin Partners and Warner Bros. Pictures that is scheduled to be released in December of 2017.
Upcoming shows from Amblin TV include All the Way, an HBO movie directed by Jay Roach and starring Bryan Cranston, with an airdate to be announced shortly; and American Gothic, a summer series that will air on CBS and begin production in February 2016.
