DreamWorks Animation announced that the studio has entered into a multi-year deal with Walt Dohrn, director of the recently released Trolls World Tour and co-director of Trolls. He will have an overall first look exclusive deal for original animated projects at the studio along with executive producing, directing, development and supervisory duties on various projects.
“For over ten years, Walt has been a key part of the DreamWorks family,” said DreamWorks Animation president Margie Cohn, “His singular vision and sensibility is a part of our DNA and we’re happy to have his creative energy dedicated to both creating future DreamWorks franchises and mentoring the next generation of talent.”
The first Trolls grossed more than $346M worldwide in 2016, making way to a 52 episode Netflix spinoff series (Trolls: The Beat Goes On), consumer products and global TV licenses.
Dohrn was head of story on Peabody and Sherman and Shrek Forever After, prior to Trolls. In Shrek Forever After, he made his debut as a voice performer in a leading role as the villain Rumpelstiltskin. As head of story on Shrek Forever After, Dohrn was responsible for supervising the development of the film’s plot, working in close collaboration with director Mike Mitchell and supervising a team of story artists.
Since joining DreamWorks Animation in 2002, Dohrn also contributed to the story of Rise of the Guardians, Shrek the Third, Madagascar, Shark Tale and Shrek 2. In addition, he wrote the lyrics for the songs Final Showdown (Shrek the Third) and Fairy Godmother Song (Shrek 2).