NETFLIX EXTENDS ANIMATED LICENSING DEAL WITH UNIVERSAL

Netflix and Universal Film Entertainment Group recently unveiled a multi-year, exclusive licensing deal extension in the U.S. for animated feature films. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with UFEG to bring more films from Illumination and DreamWorks Animation to our Netflix audience,” said Colin Morawski, Director of Studio Licensing, Netflix. “As we’ve seen with our slate, Netflix families love watching and rewatching animated films, and this deal allows us to expand our library to bring our audience more of what they want to watch.”

The partnership, which includes Netflix’s pre-existing Illumination output deal with Universal, will be strenghthened, set to include DreamWorks Animation. “Universal Filmed Entertainment Group produces some of the biggest animated franchises and boldest originals from some of the most influential, impactful, and inspiring creators in the industry,” said Peter Levinsohn, Vice Chairman and Chief Distribution Officer, UFEG.

The Netflix window will begin after a 4 month Peacock window.  Tentpoles such as “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” DreamWorks Animation’s “The Bad Guys,” and “Puss In Boots: The Last Wish”  will be among the initial 2022 offerings.

As part of the deal, Netflix will also license rights to the full Animated and Live Action slate from UFEG four years after release as well as rights to select titles from Universal’s vast movie library. “This exciting agreement further demonstrates the importance of that content to our distribution partners as they grow their audiences and deliver the very best in entertainment,” Levinsohn said.