How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to pitch a movie idea to DreamWorks Animation
Does not take outside ideas
DreamWorks Animation falls under NBCUniversal’s terms, which will not review story or character ideas it did not ask for. It has bought Classic Media, the film rights to Trolls and William Steig’s picture book Shrek!
“Except as may be explicitly requested in connection with particular programs or promotions, NBCUniversal is not requesting, and is unwilling to review, ideas or materials relating to characters, storylines, treatments, scripts, artwork, visual or audio-visual content, or other artistic or creative works (whether relating to pre-existing NBCUniversal properties or not).”
What it has bought from outside
1991
Rights to William Steig's picture book Shrek! from William Steig
“After purchasing the rights to Steig's book in 1991, Steven Spielberg sought to produce a traditionally-animated film adaptation” en.wikipedia.org
2010
Film rights to the Trolls franchise from the Trolls doll brand
“The same year, the company purchased the film rights to the Trolls franchise.” en.wikipedia.org
2012
Classic Media (renamed DreamWorks Classics) from Classic Media's owners $155 million
“In July 2012, DreamWorks Animation won a $155 million bid to acquire Classic Media,” en.wikipedia.org
