DreamWorks Animation SKG is launching its franchise characters into new lines of business, giving the Glendale studio a chance to grow steadily and consistently even during a recession that already is slowing its DVD sales.

In their first investor conference since 2005, studio executives Thursday outlined a series of new business ventures to lessen DreamWorks’ dependence on production of only two animated movies a year, which often has led to big swings in its earnings and stock price.

The company expects to generate as much as $60 million in revenue from various TV projects, including a series that will air on Nickelodeon in March featuring the penguin characters from “Madagascar,” Chief Operating Officer Ann Daly said.

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