DreamWorks Animation and Macy's Launch KUNG FU PANDA's Po on First-Ever National Balloon Tour Beginning April 15th
KUNG FU PANDA 2 OPENS NATIONWIDE ON MAY 26th
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA) and Macy's today announced that KUNG FU PANDA's Po will embark on the first-ever U.S. tour of an official Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® balloon, beginning this Friday, April 15th. Po is scheduled to make a six-city, cross-country tour of awesomeness, culminating in his debut visit to Los Angeles to mark the opening of KUNG FU PANDA 2 this Memorial Day weekend.
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Po is scheduled to visit the following cities: Miami, FL on April 16th; St. Louis, MO on April 22nd; Dallas, TX on April 30th; Chicago, IL on May 6th; Phoenix, AZ on May 14th; and Los Angeles, CA on Memorial Day weekend. At 42-feet tall, 46- feet long and 34-feet wide, the Po balloon is truly larger-than-life and is posed in one of Po's signature martial arts moves from the DreamWorks Animation feature film. Po's appearance in each city will coincide with a day of family-friendly festivities, all open to the public, which will include an opportunity to take a picture with Po, as well as see an official KUNG FU PANDA martial arts presentation. The day will also feature coloring, airbrush tattoos and face painting stations, as well as special prize giveaways.
Said Anne Globe, head of Worldwide Marketing for DreamWorks Animation, "We are thrilled to join forces once again with our friends at Macy's, who have done an incredible job of bringing our character of Po to life as a giant balloon for audiences to enjoy at the annual Macy's parade and now in cities across the country. This first-ever premiere event is an exciting way to help kick off the summer movie season."
"With his debut at last year's Macy's Parade, DreamWorks Animation's giant Po balloon became an instant spectator favorite," said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "This special tour will bring Po closer to fans nationwide and is a great way to launch the highly anticipated sequel, KUNG FU PANDA 2."
In KUNG FU PANDA 2, Po is now living his dream as The Dragon Warrior, protecting the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five. But Po's new life of awesomeness is threatened by the emergence of a formidable villain, who plans to use a secret, unstoppable weapon to conquer China and destroy kung fu. Po must look to his past and uncover the secrets of his mysterious origins; only then will he be able to unlock the strength he needs to succeed.
KUNG FU PANDA 2 will be distributed by Paramount Pictures nationwide on May 26th and features the voice talents of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, James Hong, Michelle Yeoh, Danny McBride, Victor Garber, Dennis Heysbert and Jean-Claude Van Damme.
About DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE® Magazine for three consecutive years. In 2011, DreamWorks Animation ranks #10 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 21 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group and Paramount Television & Digital Distribution.
About Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade With more than 50 million viewers across the country and more than 3.5 million spectators that line up along the streets of New York City each year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For more than 80 years, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade proudly marches down a more than 2-mile route in New York City with more than 8,000 participants in tow including Macy's employees, their families, celebrities, athletes, clowns and dance groups spreading holiday cheer. The Parade also features America's best marching bands, fabulous floats and Macy's signature giant helium character balloons. For more information on the Macy's Parade please visit www.macysparade.com.
SOURCE Paramount Pictures Corporation