Looking to expand beyond feature films, DreamWorks Animation is planning to rub shoulders with the likes of biggies like Disney Channel and Cartoon Network, as it prepares to launch its very own dedicated family TV channel soon.
Currently planned as “The DreamWorks Channel”, it will focus primarily on animation, especially on DreamWorks’ self-produced shows such as All Hail King Julien, The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Veggie Tales in the House, DinoTrux and the How to Train Your Dragon series. As you can guess, most of these shows are based off popular DreamWorks Animation movies. It will also promote its upcoming animated movies, toys and products, though there are no plans to broadcast DreamWorks animated movies on the channel.
In the initial launch stage, the channel, touted as ad-supported (in some countries ad-free) 24/7, will be launched in 19 Asian countries, including Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Tahiti. If successful, the channel could launch in more markets. DreamWorks Animation will produce content and handle programming and distribution, while partnering with HBO Asia for affiliate sales, marketing and technical services. The channel will also launch a dedicated website and an app which will strengthen the DreamWorks TV brand.