DreamWorks launches YouTube channel

Hollywood and family content studio DreamWorks has launched DreamWorksTV, a new YouTube channel programmed with original short-form live-action and animated shows.

Brian Robbins will run the new channel having attracted significant volumes of viewers to his teen-skewed YouTube channel AwesomenessTV, which was acquired by DreamWorks last year.

As well as the original short-form series there will be video blogs from well-known characters from DreamWorks movies including Shrek (pictured), Puss in Boots and Kung Fu Panda.

At launch, the live-action programming includes live-action comedy sketch show OMG, record breaking series Record Setter Kids and hidden-camera show Prank my Parents.

Animated fare includes Jimmy Blue Shorts, about a pair of talking jean shorts, Gorillaville, about three mayhem-creating apes and Fifi Cat Therapist, a series about a feline therapist created by Mike Blum (Lilo & Stitch).

There will also be a ‘best of the web’ series Watch This and RetroToons, which will feature classic cartoons from the library of Classic Media, the DreamWorks-owned distribution company.

DreamWorks said new original series will roll out through the summer.

“We’re tapping into the invaluable knowledge that Brian has amassed from his success with AwesomenessTV to create a unique, short-form, laugh-out-loud mobile experience for families,” said DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg. “This is a huge opportunity for the DreamWorks brand.”

Robbins added: “We are combining the DreamWorks brand with lessons learned from AwesomenessTV to create content that will be embraced by families everywhere.”

Plans for a DreamWorks-branded channel were first announced in December 2012.