I agree with you on principle, but this is unlikely to change because let’s face it, in many markets, including North America, children are still the main audience for animated features, and since it is parents who decide which movies their children will go see, DWA need a way to sway parents, and rightly or wrongly they consider celebrity casting one of the best and easiest ways to do that. This is because presumably parents don’t care much for these movies themselves, but have to watch them with their kids anyway, so maybe recognizable, name actors will convince them that a particular animated feature is a major, worthwhile movie instead of just cheap kiddie fare (although even cheap kiddie fare often have celebrity casts, too).

That said, I’m not convinced that this is effective enough in practice to be worth the added cost, not only in terms of money paid out but in many cases the quality of the performances and therefore of the movies themselves. This even goes for live-action movies where the actors can be seen, let alone animated features where they can only be heard and not always recognizably. It’s a virtually or at least nearly pointless distraction that I agree DWA should do away with, but I don’t see it happening.

I thought How to Train Your Dragon 2 did well. Every time I went to see it, the theater was completely packed, including the second time I saw it, weeks after its release.

The A-list actors can be given smaller roles. Let the stars play supporting characters and give professionals like Steve Blum main roles.

It can’t be helped. Their A-lst actors are one of the only reasons people go to see the movies in the first place.

Oh no. No no no no no. Sir or Madam, please do a little research before posting nonsense like this.

^ I agree Katz got to go. If I guy can’t make up his mind with the company name alone he shouldn’t be handling their business.

DreamWorks Studios
DreamWorks PIctures
DreamWorks SKG
DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks
PDI…..WTF!!

Having too many movies in production without a profit return is that last thing on his mind, he’s too busy trying to figure out the above!