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DreamWorks Classics

From Alfawiki
Classic Media, LLC
Company typeDivision
IndustryEntertainment
PredecessorEntertainment Rights (selected assets)
FoundedMay 2000; 26 years ago (2000-05)
FounderEric Ellenbogen, John Engelman
FateAcquired by DreamWorks Animation in 2012; now operating as DreamWorks Classics
SuccessorDreamWorks Classics (trade name)
Headquarters
United States
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Eric Ellenbogen, John Engelman
ProductsIntellectual property portfolios, character franchises, licensing rights
OwnerDreamWorks Animation (since 2012), NBCUniversal (since 2016)
Number of employees
80 (2012)
ParentUniversal Pictures (NBCUniversal)

Classic Media, LLC, operating under the trade name DreamWorks Classics, is a U.S.-based entertainment firm owned by DreamWorks Animation. This entity is a division of Universal Pictures, which falls under NBCUniversal, itself a Comcast subsidiary. Established in 2000 by founders Eric Ellenbogen and John Engelman, Classic Media oversees an extensive collection of intellectual property portfolios, character franchises, and licensing rights for properties owned by third parties.

In 2012, Classic Media was acquired from Boomerang Media by DreamWorks Animation for $155 million. Following this acquisition, the company began functioning under the DreamWorks Classics brand, although its legal designation remained Classic Media, LLC. Subsequently, when NBCUniversal purchased DreamWorks Animation in 2016, Classic Media became part of a worldwide media conglomerate.

By 2012, Classic Media reported revenues totaling $82 million and a net profit of $19 million, employing roughly 80 staff members. The company’s operational strategy centers on monetizing classic entertainment intellectual properties through licensing and merchandising ventures across international markets. Founders Ellenbogen and Engelman continue to hold key executive roles, steering growth via acquisitions and brand stewardship.

History

Classic Media was established in May 2000 by Eric Ellenbogen and John Engelman following the acquisition of the United Productions of America (UPA) catalog from Henry Saperstein’s estate. Initial investors included former Universal Studios executive Frank Biondi and producer Steve Tisch. In March 2001, the company purchased the majority of assets belonging to The Harvey Entertainment Company. Later that year, Classic Media secured the entertainment division of Western Publishing—which included the Dell Comics and Gold Key Comics libraries—through a joint bid with Random House, which obtained the Little Golden Books publishing rights.

Around 2002, Classic Media acquired rights to Jay Ward’s characters and partnered with Jay Ward Productions to establish Bullwinkle Studios as a joint venture. On October 31, 2003, Classic Media took over the catalog of the bankrupt Big Idea Entertainment. By 2007, Bullwinkle Studios had developed into an operational production studio.

In April 2005, a recapitalization led by Spectrum Equity Investors and Pegasus Capital Advisors arranged $100 million in senior debt financing through JP Morgan Chase Bank. Spectrum Equity became the majority shareholder with seats on the board.

August 2006 saw Classic Media co-launching the children’s network Qubo in collaboration with ION Media Networks, NBCUniversal, Corus Entertainment, and Scholastic Corporation.

On December 14, 2006, UK competitor Entertainment Rights announced intentions to acquire Classic Media for $210 million. Before this deal could close, both companies entered distribution and production agreements with Genius Products LLC, replacing their former partnership with Sony Wonder.

Following Entertainment Rights’ entry into administration on April 1, 2009, Boomerang Media LLC—formed by Ellenbogen and Engelman with backing from GTCR—purchased key UK and US subsidiaries of Entertainment Rights, including Classic Media and Big Idea Entertainment. By May 2009, these entities operated collectively under the Classic Media brand while Big Idea maintained a distinct identity.

On February 20, 2010, Classic Media acquired the rights to the manga-influenced television series My Life Me from the bankrupt German company TV-Loonland AG.

In March 2012, Classic Media further broadened its holdings by purchasing the Noddy and Olivia properties from Chorion.

Acquisition by DreamWorks Animation (2012–present)

On July 23, 2012, DreamWorks Animation revealed its purchase of Classic Media from Boomerang Media for $155 million, finalizing the transaction in September of the same year. Following the acquisition, Classic Media was renamed DreamWorks Classics to reflect its affiliation with its new parent company, although the parent entity continued to operate under the Classic Media name.

Shortly after, on October 3, 2012, DreamWorks Classics obtained licensing and distribution rights for Studio Hari's The Owl & Co outside of France and French-speaking territories, marking its initial significant agreement after the takeover.

On September 17, 2013, DreamWorks Animation broadened its content holdings by acquiring the programming catalog of UK-based Chapman Entertainment, which it distributed through its British television division.

DreamWorks Animation further enriched the DreamWorks Classics brand on June 18, 2014, by incorporating the legendary Felix the Cat franchise, thereby strengthening its position in the classic animation market.

A major corporate development occurred on April 28, 2016, when NBCUniversal announced a $3.8 billion deal to acquire DreamWorks Animation. This acquisition was completed on August 22, effectively integrating DreamWorks Classics into NBCUniversal's worldwide operations.

By January 2020, Classic Media took a strategic step by pre-selling streaming rights for three series—Lassie, George of the Jungle, and Mr. Magoo—to CBS All Access (currently known as Paramount+), broadening its reach in digital distribution and reinforcing growth within streaming platforms.

Catalogs

Character franchises

Collaborative ventures

Additional rights

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