Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-founder of DreamWorks, officially announced on
February 9, 2000 that his company has acquired the majority of interest,
approximately 80%, in Pacific Data Images (PDI). As reported [AF 2/8/00],
this deal comes on the heals of PDI founder and Chairman, Carl Rosendahl's
departure from the company to pursue "other creative interests." However,
Rosendahl will remains as a consultant for the newly named company,
PDI/DreamWorks. Katzenberg said that Palo Alto-based business will remain a
stand alone unit of DreamWorks and continue to produce computer animated
films, commercials and visual effects for the parent company. In addition,
DreamWorks plans to open a branch of PDI in Southern California, entitled
PDI/DreamWorks South, which will be run by PDI. The DreamWorks/PDI
relationship started in 1996 when DreamWorks acquired 40% of the company in
an exclusive deal to create a series of animated films. The first film
produced under the deal was 1998's ANTZ. PDI has also produced the visual
effects for DreamWorks films such as THE PEACEMAKER, FORCES OF NATURE and
the upcoming THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE. Currently, PDI is working on
SHREK, a comedy featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie
Murphy; and TUSKER, which follows the adventures of a herd of elephants.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
