News Briefs
DREAMWORKS ANIMATION SKG: will operate its new seven-year distribution deal with Paramount Pictures for the rights to distribute DreamWorks Animation films in theatrical, home entertainment and television markets worldwide. The deal begins with DreamWorks Animation’s film Over the Hedge, which hits theaters May 19. Under the agreement, Paramount Pictures will market and distribute DreamWorks Animation films and will earn 8% of the distribution fee it originally received from DreamWorks Studios. DreamWorks Animation received $75 million in cash under the deal, which is used to repay its debt.
NINTENDO: has named Laurent Fischer as European marketing director for the company. Fischer replaces senior marketing director Jim Merrick, who left after 12 years with the company. In his new role, which began last month, Laurent is in charge of planning and coordination the European marketing for all of Nintendo’s products, including the new Nintendo DS Lite and the company’s upcoming next gen console, Nintendo Revolution. Fisher joined Nintendo in 1998 in the customer services department. He was later promoted to product manager for handheld devices and as NoF marketing director. In addition, Adam Schmass joins the company as European brand manager. In his role, Schmass will oversee all pan-European marketing activities for Nintendo’s next gen console, in addition to the GameCube for the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
OBJECT 9: Baton Rouge, LA, has opened an Atlanta office handling strategic marketing, creative, p.r. and interactive work. The shop, best known for helping marketers revive older brands, ranked No. 84 in the 2005 PROMO 100 with 2004 net revenues of $1.35 million, up 39% from 2002.
