Paramount Animation Looks to NickParamount Animation Looks to Nick

Paramount Pictures' animation division is prepping for the potential departure of DreamWorks Animation by amping up its own project plans, according to Variety. The division has kept a low profile since it launched last summer, but with cash-cow DWA in talks to move to another studio, Paramount is beginning to focus on creating its own animated features, and it’s tapping sister company Nickelodeon for IP.

A sequel to The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is already set for 2014, and Variety reports that Paramount chief Brad Grey is also considering movies based on Nick properties Dora the Explorer, The Legend of Korra and Monkey Quest.