Steven Spielberg, who broke into Hollywood as an intern then a director at Universal, where he helmed films such as “Jaws,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” will be returning to the studio under a series of partnerships announced Wednesday.
Spielberg, a principal partner of DreamWorks Studios, announced the creation of the Amblin Partners production house, a partnership with Participant Media, Reliance Group and Entertainment One. Meanwhile, Amblin Partners reached a multi-year deal for Universal Pictures to market and distribute the new company’s films.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to be back in business with Steven,” according to a joint statement by Jeff Shell, chairman of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, and Donna Langley, chair of Universal Pictures. “His iconic films have stood the test of time and are embraced by audiences around the world. We look forward to working with Steven and Amblin Partners as we build in 2015’s record-breaking year.”
According to Universal, the studio and Focus Features will market and distribute four to seven Amblin Partners films each year, starting with the first film, “The Girl on the Train,” in October 2016.
“The same magnet that pulled me to Universal when I first wanted to make movies is bringing me home again to this new exciting relationship,” Spielberg said. “It is my hope that we can make some more beautiful music together.”
Spielberg began his career at Universal, directing television episodes then made-for-television movies before being offered the chance to direct “Jaws,” which became a major blockbuster and helped established him as one of Hollywood’s biggest names.
