Dick Cook Studios

About Dick Cook Studios

Dick Cook Studios emerges as a creative content and production entity, founded in 2015 by the esteemed former Chairman of Walt Disney Studios, Dick Cook. Cook's extensive career, which began in 1970 operating the Disneyland monorail and culminated in him chairing the entire studio division from 2002 to 2009, provides a deep well of experience in producing globally successful entertainment. His journey through Disney saw him rise from theme park sales to eventually heading the marketing and distribution for Buena Vista, where he was instrumental in the success of numerous major film releases and the Disney home video brand.

The studio was established to develop, produce, market, and distribute multi-generational family entertainment across a wide spectrum of media, including live-action films, animation, television, and digital content. Its business model is centered on creating and distributing entertainment properties with a global appeal, with a particular focus on telling compelling stories, including those rooted in Chinese culture. The company's financial foundation was significantly shaped by partnerships with Chinese investors. Initially, Dick Cook Studios announced a $150 million investment from CITIC Guoan, a subsidiary of the state-owned Chinese conglomerate CITIC Group. This was followed by a substantial $500 million production financing deal with Film Carnival, another China-based company, which was intended to cover 100% of the costs for the studio's projects. In return for financing, Dick Cook Studios handles the development, production, and worldwide marketing and distribution of the content.

A key part of the studio's strategy involves international co-production. In 2019, the company announced it would establish its Asia-Pacific headquarters at Docklands Studios in Melbourne, Australia. This move was supported by incentives from the Australian and Victorian governments. The studio's announced inaugural film projects include adaptations of popular young adult fantasy book series: "Ranger's Apprentice" by Australian author John Flanagan, with Paul Haggis slated to direct, and "The Alchemyst" by Irish author Michael Scott. These projects underscore the studio's focus on creating family-oriented content based on established intellectual property.