Guillermo del Toro signs multi-year exclusive deal with Dreamworks to make animated family films

'Animation is an art form that has influenced my work greatly since childhood'

(Getty)

Oscar-winning The Shape of Water director Guillermo del Toro has signed a new deal with DreamWorks Animation Film Group, taking up offices at its Glendale campus.

This renews his longstanding collaboration with DWA, having previously nosed Kung Fu Panda 3, Puss in Boots, Rise of the Guardians and more in the right direction as executive producer.

“Animation is an art form that has influenced my work greatly since childhood," del Toro said. To me, it’s the perfect medium to bring to life any and all ideas, no matter how outlandish or wild. I am eager to work with Chris and the talented artists at DreamWorks – some of the most talented people in the business – to make these images a reality. I have worked with DreamWorks for about a decade and the horizon just keeps getting wider.”

On Twitter, the filmmaker was quite to stress this is a renewal, perhaps to pre-empt concerns that this deal would mean an end to his live-action movies, writing: "A small clarification: The DWA animation deal is not a new deal. It's a re-upping. I have been there about a decade now! Happy to stay!"

Del Toro is riding high in Hollywood at the moment, after scooping both Best Picture and Best Director at this year's Academy Awards.

Dreamworks' president Chris deFaria commented: “We are thrilled that Guillermo is adding a film partnership to the already successful television relationship he has with DreamWorks Animation. He is truly a one-of-a-kind artist, and we are eager to see his imagination on full display in the family animated feature space.

"Guillermo has a unique talent for creating memorable worlds and characters, and we believe the films we create with him will resonate with animation audiences for many generations to come. I am personally very excited to extend the long working relationship I have enjoyed with Guillermo and look forward to him also collaborating with us on some of our breakthrough advancements in technology and innovation.”

(via Deadline)