Making his entry into Hollywood, industrialist Anil Ambani today began discussions with directors Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider for producing films for which he would make available an initial funding of USD 825 million.

“We are delighted to partner with such uniquely talented individuals as Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider. Ever since we looked at their business plan, Ive never doubted that we would succeed in providing them with financial muscle required to realise their dream,” Ambani said, immediately after the meeting.

The Anil Ambani group would provide over Rs 4,000 crore for film production and the initial phase of funding would include an equity investment from his group and debt financing from a syndication of banks as well as Disney.

Ambanis Reliance Big Entertainment had entered into a USD 1.5 billion partnership with Hollywood studio Dream Works last year.

Dream Works anticipates starting the first film for the new studio later this year. Dream Works will eventually make 5-6 films per year.