Walt Dohrn is evolving his relationship with Dreamworks Animation, where he directed Trolls World Tour and co-directed Trolls. The studio announced today a multi-year overall deal with Dohrn, giving Dreamworks a first-look exclusive at his original animated projects, as well as executive producing, directing, development and supervisory duties on various projects.

Why Dohrn matters to Dreamworks: Besides overseeing the successful Trolls franchise, the studio calls him one of its “most trusted story experts.” In his eighteen years at Dreamworks, he has also been head of story on Peabody and Sherman and Shrek Forever After, as well as making story contributions to Rise of the Guardians, Shrek the Third, Madagascar, Shark Tale, and Shrek 2.
DreamWorks Animation president Margie Cohn said that Dohrn’s “singular vision and sensibility is a part of our DNA.” Cohn also said that Dohrn’s role will include mentoring younger artists at the studio.