Entertainment One Appointed as Licensing Partner for DreamWorks Studios’ The BFG Entertainment One Licensing - January 2015

 
Company Picks up Pan-European Rights to Spielberg Movie
 
eOne will also distribute the movie in all media across the UK

Entertainment One Licensing (eOne) has acquired the pan-European licensing rights to the upcoming DreamWorks Studios film, “The BFG,” to be directed by Steven Spielberg, the Company announced today.

Adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book, “The BFG” is set for release in Summer 2016 and eOne will be distributing the movie in all media in the UK. This will enable eOne to put together a fully integrated campaign across all areas to support the film release.

eOne will work closely Striker Entertainment who have been appointed as agent for all other remaining territories.

Commenting on the agreement, Hannah Mungo, Head of UK Licensing said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working on ‘The BFG’ which is one of the best-loved children’s tales conjured up by Roald Dahl’s wild and wonderful imagination. ‘The BFG’ movie promises to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2016 and we look forward speaking to potential licensees who have GIANT ideas.”

“The BFG’ is a beloved property and we are pleased that our partners at eOne will be representing it in the pan-European area,” said Jeff Small, President and COO at DreamWorks Studios. “We look forward to working with them, along with Striker Entertainment, on this exciting project.”

“The BFG” — which is short for “Big Friendly Giant” — is the tale of a young London girl and the mysterious Giant who introduces her to the beauty and peril of Giant Country.

DreamWorks acquired the rights to the book in 2010 after Kathleen Kennedy brought it to the company. Melissa Mathison, who last teamed with Spielberg and Kennedy on "E.T.," has written the screenplay. Spielberg, Frank Marshall and Sam Mercer will produce while Kennedy, John Madden and Michael Siegel are Executive Producers. Kristie Macosko Krieger and Adam Somner are Co-Producers.

The book was published in 1982 with illustrations by Quentin Blake. Dahl’s books have generated worldwide sales totalling 200 million books, with 37 million of these in the U.K. 2016 will mark the centenary of Dahl’s birth.