Amblin Partners And Universal Pictures Set New Multi-Year Partnership As Amblin Expects Future Job Cuts

UPDATE WITH NEW NUMBERS: Sources now tell Deadline that about 20 percent of Amblin’s staff will be cut.

Amblin Partners and Universal Pictures have set a new film partnership that builds on the companies’ longstanding creative collaboration. The new multi-year deal revealed Tuesday will continue to deliver Universal with first-look status on all Amblin theatrical film projects, while evolving Amblin’s film production model to give the company more creative and financial flexibility.

“Universal is my ancestral studio home, and this next chapter in our longstanding partnership will provide Amblin with the creative flexibility and autonomy that I know will allow us to succeed together in the future,” Amblin chairman Steven Spielberg said. “I’m eternally grateful to our entire team at Amblin for their work and dedication over the years, and also thankful to Donna and everyone at Universal for their commitment and partnership, as we all look forward to our next adventure together.”

Sources tell Deadline that on the Amblin side, the deal signals a change from financing its own films to having a traditional producing deal with the studio. Insiders add this is not an acquisition but rather a straightforward overall deal, and that Spielberg will continue to enjoy the autonomy to make the films he wants to make – as he always has.

Sources also add that there will likely be job cuts in the future for Amblin, but it’s too early to say how many or in what departments.

“We’re excited to evolve our partnership with Steven and cement our creative legacy together that has resulted in so many iconic Universal films over the last half-century,” said Donna Langley, Chairman & Chief Content Officer, NBCUniversal Studio Group. “Steven and the team at Amblin have been outstanding partners and we look forward to this next chapter.”

Amblin will also continue its film partnership with Netflix, as well as its TV production business, which currently has more than a dozen shows on both linear and streaming platforms.