MIAMI, FL October 3, 2001 -- Burger King Corporation announced today that it will bolster and greatly enhance its alliances with two entertainment industry giants, DreamWorks SKG and Nickelodeon.
The company will sign a first-of-its kind alliance with DreamWorks to jointly promote the world's top animated and live-action films and a major multi-platform partnership with Nickelodeon, the number one entertainment brand for kids.
"We are proud to be associated with the most creative, innovative giants in the entertainment industry," said Executive Vice President and Chief Global Marketing Officer, Chris Clouser. "Together, we have designed a mutually beneficial partnership through which Burger King gains access to the world's leading creative talent, and DreamWorks and Nickelodeon gain access to the millions of customers who come through our doors each and every day."
"This is a history making partnership for DreamWorks and Burger King. This is our first alliance with a major corporate brand and marketer," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-principal of DreamWorks. "Burger King Corporation's new management, led by John Dasburg, has a clear vision and a commitment to innovation and, together, we are destined to have an extraordinary partnership. We'll be working closely with them to develop a range of premium and promotion programs, even commercials."
"Nickelodeon and Burger King have enjoyed tremendous success in delivering some of the industry's most successful and high-profile entertainment and promotions for kids. This alliance will further strengthen our partnership, and enable us to create contemporary and innovative multi-media campaigns with Burger King," said Herb Scannell, president of Nickelodeon.
Burger King Corporation's new strategic alliance with film industry leader DreamWorks encompasses five theatrical animated releases, starting with "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron", DreamWorks event release scheduled for next Memorial weekend, and first rights to all future live action, television, music and home entertainment properties, according to Clouser. "We've constructed an alliance that gives us the benefit of an exclusive partnership but enables us to pursue additional entertainment opportunities and sponsorships," he said. "We will have access to the groundbreaking creative resources for which DreamWorks is noted along with a host of upcoming projects and film properties," he said.
Burger King has strengthened its five-year, category-exclusive relationship with Nickelodeon, the number one entertainment brand for kids and highest rated network for kids and adults for six consecutive years. The deal comes on the heels of highly successful promotions: SpongeBob SquarePants, the 2001 Kids' Choice Awards and Rugrats in Paris: The Movie.
The 2002 plans include expanded Kids Meal and Big Kids Meal programs as well as a multi-market live entertainment tour; a heavily integrated program with Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards and the Kids Choice Viewers Guide and sponsorship of Nickelodeon's GAS (Games and Sports) Network.
"This is a top-to-bottom initiative that gives us broad entertainment industry access and coverage," said Clouser. "We're on-air, online, in print and in-market with the brands that kids know and love."
Burger King Corporation created the American icon, the HOME OF THE WHOPPER�, in 1957. The company and its franchisees operate more than 11,370 restaurants in all 50 states and 58 countries and international territories around the world, with more than 92% of BURGER KING� restaurants owned and operated by independent franchisees. Since the company's founding in Miami in 1954, the BURGER KING� brand has become recognized for great flame-broiled taste and HAVE IT YOUR WAY� food customization. In fiscal year 2001, the BURGER KING� system had system-wide sales of $11.2 billion. Burger King Corporation is a part of Diageo (NYSE: DEO), the international food and drinks company. To learn more about the BURGER KING� system, please visit the company's web site at www.burgerking.com.
DreamWorks SKG was formed in October, 1994, by its three principal partners?Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen?to produce live-action motion pictures; animated feature films; network, syndicated and cable television programming; home video entertainment; records; books; toys; and consumer products.
Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, publishing and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 81 million households and has been the number-one rated cable network for more than five consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.