DreamWorks Animation taps Disney vet

GLENDALE, Calif., Oct. 25 (UPI) -- DreamWorks Animation has retained Disney veteran Chuck Viane as a consultant to shape the company's future distribution strategy.

Viane worked closely with DreamWorks Animation Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Katzenberg when they were both at Disney.

"In addition to being a truly great guy, Chuck is one of the smartest, most experienced and respected leaders in the industry and I don't know of anyone with a deeper understanding of the movie landscape, its trends and its future," Katzenberg said in a statement Wednesday. "At this strategic moment in time for DreamWorks Animation, I am confident that he will serve as an invaluable resource."

Viane previously served as president of global distribution for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

DreamWorks Animation's current distribution partner Paramount recently launched its own animation studio, making it unlikely it will renew its distribution deal with DreamWorks once it expires next year, The Hollywood Reporter said.