Michael Wright extends contract as CEO of Amblin

Andrew Macpherson

Michael Wright is stepping down as CEO of Amblin Partners to become an executive producer on two of the production company’s upcoming films, Amblin announced in a Tuesday statement.

Legendary director and Amblin Chairman Steven Spielberg will take over as CEO. Jeff Small will retain his president and co-CEO title and will oversee operations alongside Spielberg. Production President Holly Bario will also continue in her role in charge of Amblin’s film business, while Amblin Television Co-Presidents Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey will remain in their positions overseeing TV development and production.

At Amblin, Wright oversaw films including “The Girl on the Train” and “A Dog’s Purpose” as well as the development of “”The House with the Clock in its Walls.”

Also Read: China's Alibaba Takes Minority Stake in Steven Spielberg's Amblin

Chinese mega-conglomerate Alibaba acquired a minority stake in Amblin in October, and its marketing might helped propel “A Dog’s Purpose” to a healthy $88 million in the Middle Kingdom.

“I have always enjoyed working with Michael and the unique creative collaboration we’ve shared going back to his days at Turner Broadcasting,” Spielberg said in a statement. “I am very pleased to continue our relationship and that he is joining our upcoming projects, ‘The Talisman’ and ‘The Wand,’ as an executive producer. I also want to express my gratitude to Michael for helping us launch our company and creating a strong foundation to build on in the future.”

7 People You Never Expected to Make Bank on the DreamWorks Animation Deal (Photos)

Co-founders Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg enjoy the biggest individual stakes in DreamWork's Animation, with Katzenberg's holdings worth a whopping $408 million and Spielberg's worth $187.6 million after Comcast's takeover. But thanks to shares issued to directors and other former execs, a handful of other Hollywood names stand to make a pretty penny in the deal, too.
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Jason Kilar, best known for being the CEO who built video streaming site Hulu from "Clown Co." into a legitimate force in online video, holds a stake thanks to his seat on the board. His holdings are worth nearly $1 million after the Comcast deal.
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Lucian Grainge, who is the head of the world's biggest music label, Universal Music Group, also holds shares because of his board seat. His stake is also nearly $1 million.
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Investment banker Mellody Hobson is DreamWorks Animations chairman since 2012, after eight years as a director. The investment banker, who also serves on the boards for two of George Lucas' foundations, has a stake worth $4.7 million.
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Former Viacom CEO Tom Freston joined DreamWorks Animation's board nearly nine years ago. His stake is worth $2.7 million.
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Entertainment lawyer Skip Brittenham's eight years on the board have built him a stake worth $2.5 million after the Comcast deal.
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Ann Daly, pictured left, is a longtime exec at DreamWorks Animation, serving currently as president and previously as chief operating officer for a decade. After the Comcast deal, her stake in the company is worth $40 million.
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Lew Coleman, another longtime exec at the studio, served for years as vice chairman and chief financial officer. His holdings will be worth $52.7 million when Comcast closes the deal.
Lew Coleman/LinkedIn

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Comcast’s $3.8 billion takeover of DreamWorks Animation will bring big hauls for Jeffrey Katzenberg, Steven Spielberg… and some people who will surprise you

Co-founders Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg enjoy the biggest individual stakes in DreamWork's Animation, with Katzenberg's holdings worth a whopping $408 million and Spielberg's worth $187.6 million after Comcast's takeover. But thanks to shares issued to directors and other former execs, a handful of other Hollywood names stand to make a pretty penny in the deal, too.

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