DreamWorks Acquires PDI

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgJeffrey 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.