DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc could soon have a new Japanese owner in a deal that highlights the challenges facing Hollywood's smaller studios in remaining independent and could prompt a string of other deals. Over the weekend, a source said DreamWorks, the studio best known for movie franchises including "Shrek" and "Madagascar," was in talks about a possible sale to SoftBank Corp, the cash-rich Japanese communications and media company.The development could make other independent studios the targets of larger players, or prompt them to seek outside buyers or investors.Many smaller, independent studios produce only a handful of movies each year, making them especially vulnerable to box office disappointments, such as those that DreamWorks has produced lately with "Rise of the Guardians," "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" and "Turbo." And they don't have the other businesses like cable channels or theme parks to help ride out film flops.Movie studios have also faced a decline in DVD sales and increased competition from digital entertainment options like Netflix Inc.
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (DreamWorks Animation) is engaged in the development, production and exploitation of animated films and their associated characters in the worldwide theatrical, home entertainment, television, merchandising and licensing and other markets. Shares of DWA traded higher by 28.18% or $6.3/share to $28.66. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $19.20 and as high as $36.01. On average, 1113410 shares of DWA exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 11871030.
Netflix, Inc. is an Internet television network with more than 44 million members in over 40 countries. Shares of NFLX traded higher by 0.2% or $0.88/share to $449.63. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $282.80 and as high as $489.29. On average, 2180010 shares of NFLX exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 839648.
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