As DreamWorks Animation continues to significantly bolster its TV ventures, the company is putting a new mark on the publishing sector with the launch of DreamWorks Press, an in-house operation that will publish digital and print books based on the studio’s IP.

The newly formed division will also join with The Perseus Books Group for the
sale and distribution of its digital and print books through Perseus’ Publishers Group West distribution unit.

The department, which stands as the studio’s first year-round publishing program to establish permanent shelf space, will headed up by Emma Whittard, an 18-year veteran of kids publishing including eight with Disney. The group will be supported by DreamWorks Animation’s head of franchise Shawn Dennis, who previously oversaw publishing for American Girl.

Their team will produce digital and print books, along with book apps, featuring DreamWorks Animation franchises including Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, Shrek and the upcoming B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations, as well as assets from the DreamWorks Classics portfolio and the recently acquired AwesomenessTV.

In terms of the company’s licensing business, the material generated by DreamWorks Press in North America will also provide book assets for the studio’s international licensees for use in the planning and creation of their DreamWorks Animation ranges
in global territories.

The first wave of books from DreamWorks Press is likely to launch in time for the 2014 holiday season.