DreamWorks Animation Taps Former Top Nick Exec Marjorie Cohn To Spearhead Studio's Television Efforts

GLENDALE, Calif., July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- DreamWorks Animation (Nasdaq: DWA) has named children's programming leader and former Nickelodeon executive Marjorie Cohn as its first-ever Head of Television, overseeing the production and development for DreamWorks Animation's television efforts.  A 26-year veteran of Nickelodeon, Cohn most recently held the role of President, Content Development, completing a Nickelodeon tenure during which she was engaged in the development, creation and production of some of the most successful children's programs in television history including SpongeBob Squarepants, Rugrats, iCarly, and the Kids' Choice Awards.  With Cohn's contributions, Nickelodeon grew to be the number one cable broadcaster in the world. 

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Cohn's arrival at DreamWorks Animation provides experienced leadership as the studio significantly expands its television efforts.  The studio's TV efforts have seen substantial growth in the past year, beginning with the 2012 acquisition of Classic Media's extensive property portfolio, followed by landmark production and distribution agreements with Netflix and Germany's Super RTL earlier this year.  As a result, Cohn and her team will be responsible for the development and production of 1200 new original episodes over the next five years.  This production slate will feature TV series that are based on DreamWorks' current franchises, future films and the most popular heritage properties from Classic Media.

"Having Margie join us to oversee our television efforts is an incredible coup for DreamWorks Animation.  She is uniquely suited with the experience, skill and creativity to immediately dive in and oversee our aggressive expansion into this space," said DreamWorks Animation Chief Operating Officer Ann Daly.  "Margie has tremendous instincts when it comes to kids' programming, and we can't wait to unleash her creative force on DreamWorks' vast IP to bring exciting new content to families across the world."

Joining Cohn as Head of Television Production is TV veteran Mark Taylor, who was most recently at the helm of Nickelodeon Animation Studio, which he built and grew throughout his tenure.  While at Nick, Taylor served as Senior Vice President and General Manager and was responsible for all of the network's in-house animation productions.  Cohn and Taylor worked together for 15 years at Nickelodeon, during which time the network produced massive hits including SpongeBob, Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius, Fairly Odd Parents, Hey Arnold and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Peter Gal, the DreamWorks Animation executive who oversees creative on DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk and Turbo F.A.S.T., rounds out the new leadership group as Head of Television Development. Prior to three years as Vice President of Production at 20th Century Fox, Gal spent five years at Nickelodeon, developing animated programming including the DreamWorks Animation-inspired Penguins of Madagascar, which has won multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children's Programming.

Together, this team is uniquely positioned to leverage the DreamWorks Animation portfolio and elevate its television efforts on a global scale. 

About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation (Nasdaq: DWA) creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE® Magazine for five consecutive years. In 2013, DreamWorks Animation ranks #12 on the list.  All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 27 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Puss In Boots, and The Croods.

SOURCE DreamWorks Animation