The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, one of Americas oldest and most prestigious sporting events, is partnering with DreamWorks Animation SKG to bring Gromit of WALLACE & GROMIT fame to highlights of the show online. This marks the first time in Westminsters history that the dog show has accepted a sponsorship partner outside of a dog food company.
For the first time ever, highlights of the competition in the 165 breeds and varieties during the two days of the show will be shot using handheld cameras and posted on streaming video on the Westminster Website (www.westminsterkennelclub.org). These highlights will be posted within two hours of the actual competition for any particular breed or variety.
The streaming video is being sponsored by DreamWorks Animation SKG and will be hosted by Gromit. DreamWorks Animation will be presenting Aardmans first WALLACE & GROMIT feature length film, which opens on Oct. 7, 2005. Westminster will stage its 129th consecutive show on Feb. 14-15, 2005, nationally televised on USA Network.
Our goal, beginning with our very first show in 1877, has always been to educate the general public about purebred dogs, responsible dog ownership and dog shows, said show chairman Thomas H. Bradley. We have been televising our dog show live for more than 50 years (since 1948). At that time, television was the cutting edge of available technology. Today, its streaming video on the Internet, which can have an even greater impact in reaching dog owners and dog lovers everywhere. We are excited to have DreamWorks as a new partner. With their enthusiastic support, we will be able to bring even more to the millions of viewers who tune in to see Westminster on live television every year.
DreamWorks Animation head Jeffrey Katzenberg stated, DreamWorks Animation is thrilled to be collaborating with the Westminster Kennel Club to bring the excitement of their annual dog show to audiences in an entirely new way. Knowing how selective the Kennel Club is about working with new partners on what is regarded as one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world, we consider it a true honor to have Aardmans mascot Gromit chosen to host their online presence.
WALLACE & GROMIT creator, director and writer Nick Park added, Although he is not a purebred, I am certain that Gromit will have no problem going nose to nose with the other dogs at the competition. After all, how many of them have been to the moon and back?
The introduction of streaming video during the breed judging is a significant enhancement to this great annual event, said USA Network svp Gordon Beck. Video from the early sessions will help continue to build excitement and drama throughout the days until primetime coverage of the group finals and, ultimately, Best In Show.
The Westminster Kennel Club is America's oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs. Established in 1877, Westminster's influence has been felt for more than a century through its famous all breed, benched dog show held every year at New Yorks Madison Square Garden. The show is Americas second longest continuously held sporting event, behind only the Kentucky Derby.
USA Network (www.usanetwork.com) is cable televisions leading provider of original series and feature movies, sports events, off-net television shows and blockbuster theatrical films. USA Network is seen in over 88 million U.S. homes. USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
DreamWorks Animation SKG is principally devoted to developing and producing computer-animated, or CG-animated, feature films, as well as consumer products to support the release of its films.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
