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Katzenberg Worried Abut Spielberg Leaving Viacom

Jeffrey Katzenberg, head of DreamWorks Animation, says that Viacom shouldn't be so nonchalant about the potential of losing Steven Spielberg to a rival company. His warning came in responses to comments from Viacom chief Philippe Dauman, who says the company is planning for Spielberg's possible departure next year. "I have to say, not because he was and is my partner, but Steven Spielberg as a filmmaker, as a storyteller, as an artist, as a conscience, is honestly nothing short of a national treasure for all of us," Katzenberg says. "He's at the top of his game."

Spielberg, who has been with Viacom since it bought DreamWorks in 2005 for $1.6 billion, is in a deal that keeps him at the firm until the end of next year. Dauman says Viacom is doing everything it can to keep him, but is also trying to be ready should he take off and form another studio. He adds that Paramount's upcoming slate of pictures would soften any blow from a Spielberg defection. The exchanges come as reports suggest that Spielberg, director of films such as "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan," wants to be independent again and is upset by spending limits imposed by Viacom.

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Read the whole story at Associated Press via CNNMoney.com »

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