By, Anthony Mormile
[30]
Company Description
Paramount Pictures Corporation is subsidiary of Viacom. It is a production and distribution company for film and television. Paramount is famed for continuously producing top-grossing motion pictures.
Paramount Executives
BRAD GREY Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Paramount Pictures Corporation
FREDERICK HUNTSBERRY Chief Operating Officer, Paramount Pictures
ROB MOORE Vice Chairman, Paramount Pictures
ADAM GOODMAN President, Paramount Film Group
Paramount Pictures Public Relations
Official Website: http://www.paramount.com
Twitter Handle: @ParamountPics
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Paramount?fref=ts
Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/paramount
A Brief History
Paramount was the byproduct of Adolph Zukor’s Famous Players Film Company merging with Jesse L Lasky’s Lasky Feature Play Company in 1916. Paramount Pictures recognizes Zukor’s company’s establishment date as their own (1912).
Throughout the the 20th century, Paramount went through its ups and downs, inventing and re-inventing itself while changing hands of ownership many times over. It entered new prosperity under Gulf + Western thanks to Robert Evans‘ leadership. This lasted through the 70’s into the 90’s. In 1994, Paramount Communications (the parent company for Paramount Pictures, at the time) merged with Viacom, putting it under its ownership. In 2005, Brad Grey was appointed Chairman and CEO. Grey has continued the quarter century long tradition of unwavering success. In 2011, Paramount produced six-consecutive films that broke the 100 million dollar box office gross mark; an unrivaled achievement. They are now, in 2012, celebrating Paramount’s centennial. [29]
Paramount Activity
In the fiscal third quarter, parent company, Viacom was down from 2011. Paramount’s theatrical revenue being down by 52% – as a result of fewer summer releases – did not help matters. Several of these releases during the summer reflect partnerships that no longer will exist with Paramount moving forward. These include the Marvel (now Disney IP) and DreamWorks Animation (20th Century Fox IP) films. This demonstrates Paramount’s dire need to find new, fresh content and put out more theatrical releases. The only other Paramount summer releases included one original film Sacha Baron Cohen‘s The Dictator. The rest were re-releases of films like Titanic. [28]
Now in the fourth fiscal quarter, Viacom reports a stronger quarter, but is still not doing as well as they should be. Paramount has reportedly done better but is expected to report losses in the upcoming year’s fiscal first quarter. It is anticipated it will gradually improve thereafter. [27]
With the success of the Paranormal Activity franchise, Paramount Pictures created a new company called Insurge Pictures in 2010. The goal of the company is to duplicate that franchise’s success by producing a series of micro-budget films and giving them wide-releases. It’s a low risk, but potential for high-reward venture. To this sub-divisions credit are the succeeding Paranormal Activity pictures, The Devil Inside, and both the Katy Perry and Justin Beiber movies (Part of Me and Never Say Never respectively). [26]
See Insurge Pictures’ website here: http://www.insurgepictures.com/
Recent News
December 4, 2012
A new international trailer is released of Paramount’s upcoming film Jack Reacher starring Tom Cruise. This trailer reveals more characters than previous ones. [25]
November 20, 2012
Paramount sets Paranormal Activity 5 release date for October 15, 2013. There is also discussion of developing a spin-off franchise. [24]
November 15, 2012
The highly anticipated Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away premieres December 21st in 3D.
November 14, 2012
The first 9-minutes of Star Trek: Into Darkness to air before the IMAX theatrical showing of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. [23]
November 13, 2012
Joel Silver has been given a deal by Paramount to produce his next horror flick, Sanctuary. The story centers around a fictitious, secret Vatican-run program that aims to train the demonically possessed to use their powers against evil. [22]
November 8, 2012
Michael Bay cast Mark Wahlberg in Transformers 4 slated for release June 27, 2014. Wahlberg also stars in Bay’s upcoming film Pain and Gain, another Paramount release, on April 23, 2013. [21]
November 7, 2012
Paramount is producing Brett Ratner‘s Hercules alongside MGM. It will begin production in 2013 and is based on Radical Studio’s graphic novel. [20]
November 5, 2012
Anheuser-Busch, a brewing company, has asked Paramount to hide or remove the Budweiser logos from the newly released Denzel Washington film, Flight – a movie about an alcoholic pilot. Legally, Paramount is not obligated to. [19]
John Singleton settles in his lawsuit against Paramount Pictures and MTV Films. [18]
October 29, 2012
Paramount gets Nia Vardalos‘ Leftovers, an “anti-romantic comedy.” It is still in-development. [17]
October 25, 2012
Paramount pledges to put Adam Sandler‘s new western comedy, The Ridiculous 6 into production in April 2013. [16]
Insurge Pictures and Yahoo! announce the 2-season renewal of Burning Love, a comedy series which plays on Yahoo! Screen and is produced in part by Ben Stiller’s company, Red Hour Digital. [15]
October 24, 2012
Paramount Insurge acquires Jayson Rothwell‘s script, Patrol. A story about Marines met by an unexpected twist after chasing drug smugglers to a remote island. [14]
Paramount closes a deal to acquire Our Name is Adam; a project that already has Tom Cruise attached to it. Cruise, as an astronaut, goes back in time to work with his younger self. [13]
October 19, 2012
Paramount acquires Wayne Kramer‘s pitch for a new movie called, The Circuit. He will write and direct the picture. [12]
October 11, 2012
Fans vote worldwide on where Paramount Pictures will pre-release the fourth installment of Paranormal Activity prior to the overall theatrical release. The contest was held through a voting application integrated in Facebook. The application is called “Want It” which plays into the franchises long-standing PR “demand it” campaign. [11]
October 5, 2012
Melrose Investors 2 amends a lawsuit it has against Paramount for holding out on profit-sharing by mis-reporting film earnings. They now are going after parent company Viacom and holding them responsible. [10]
Paramount picks up Michael Bay-produced “found-footage” movie called, Almanac. The project is “top secret” and being kept under wrap for the time being. Dean Israelite makes his directorial debut with this film. [9]
October 4, 2012
Sacha Baron Cohen, once again, teams up with Paramount for a follow up to The Dictator. This new comedy, The Lesbian, will center around the Hong Kong billionaire’s reward to marry off his lesbian daughter to any male suitor. [8]
John Singelton‘s suit against a contract breach with Paramount is given a court date. The case is Singelton’s grievance with Paramount Pictures and MTV Films for rescinding on a two-picture deal he alleges he was promised after allowing them to acquire 2005’s Hustle & Flow. [7]
October 3, 2012
Trailer released for The Guilt Trip starring Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand. Christmas Day theatrical release. [6]
Also in the news today…
Paramount acquires the rights to the Clark Baker‘s sci-fi horror short Vessel. Stephen Susco is on board to adapt it for the big screen. [5]
September 4, 2012
Amazon.com reached a deal with Epix to gain high-profile films for its instant-streaming service. Included in the deal are many films from the Paramount catalogue. [4]
September 3, 2012
Paramount celebrates 100 years of movies and music by hosting an event at the Hollywood Bowl. Paramount played clips from its vault of classic and contemporary films. These clips were accompanied by a live orchestra which played pieces from some of their most famous films’ soundtracks. [3]
August 20, 2012
DreamWorks Animation no longer to distribute through Paramount. They move to a 5-year deal with Twentieth Century Fox in pursuit of “more favorable economics overall for DreamWorks Animation…” [2]
August 16, 2012
Paramount pictures gears up to develop its animation department. Following the success of Rango, their first animated project since separating from a brief DreamWorks affiliation, the company will make a second Spongebob Squarepants movie and other movies based off of Nickelodeon IP. Paramount, prior to this, had not had its own animation division officially since 1967. [1]
“To start filling a pipeline, Paramount chief Brad Grey is turning to sister division Nickelodeon to supply much of the IP. Though development has not begun yet, possible Nickelodeon products that could be turned into films include Dora the Explorer, The Legend of Korra and Monkey Quest. Company boasts a strong consumer products, travel and resorts biz to boost future pics’ earnings potential.” – published in Variety
References
[1] Paramount Ramping Up Animation Slate. Graser, Marc. 16 August 2012. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118057934
[2] DreamWorks Animation Enters Into New Five-Year Distribution Agreement With Twentieth Century Fox. 20 August 2012. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dreamworks-animation-enters-into-new-five-year-distribution-agreement-with-twentieth-century-fox-166798526.html
[3] Paramount Celebrates 100 Years of Movie Music at Hollywood Bowl. Belloni, Matthew. 3 Sepetember 2012. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paramount-hollywood-bowl-jason-alexander-star-trek-367508
[4] Amazon Adds Movies to Streaming Service in New Challenge to Netflix. 4 September 2012. http://adage.com/article/media/amazon-adds-epix-movies-streaming-service/237003/
[5] Par abducts Sci-Fi short ‘Vessel’ for Feature. Sneider, Jeff. Variety. 3 October 2012. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118060235/
[6] Barbara Streisand and Seth Rogen Hit the Road in ‘The Guilt Trip.’ Anderton, Ethan. 3 October 2012. http://www.firstshowing.net/2012/barbra-streisand-seth-rogen-hit-the-road-in-the-guilt-trip-trailer/
[7] John Singleton ‘Hustle & Flow’ Lawsuit Set for Trial. Greeves, Natasha. 4 October 2012. http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/john-singleton-lawsuit-set-for-trial
[8] Sacha Baron Cohen Courting ‘The Lesbian.’ Kroll, Justin. Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118060301
[9] Paramount Picks Up Top-Secret ‘Almanac’ Project With Michael Bay Producing. 5 October 2012. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/paramount-almanac-michael-bay-376450
[10] Paramount Investors Target Viacom in Amended Lawsuit. Gardner, Eriq. 5 October 2012. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/paramount-investors-viacom-revenue-lawsuit-376712
[11] Paranormal Activity Fans Around the World Have Wanted It! Paramount Pictures. 11 October 2012. http://www.paramount.com/news-and-social-media/news-and-press-releases/paranormal-activity-fans-around-world-have-wanted-it
[12] Wayne Kramer Does ‘Circuit’ at Par. Kroll, Justin. Variety. 19 October 2012. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118061023/
[13] Paramount, Skydance Close Deal For Tom Cruise-Attached Script, ‘Our Name is Adam.’ Fleming, Mike Jr. 24 October 2012. http://www.deadline.com/2012/10/paramount-skydance-close-deal-for-tom-cruise-attached-script-our-name-is-adam//
[14] Paramount Insurge Lands Jayson Rothwell Spec, ‘Patrol.’ Fleming, Mike Jr. 24 October 2012. http://www.deadline.com/2012/10/paramount-insurge-lands-jayson-rothwell-spec-patrol//
[15] Paramount’s Insurge Pictures and Yahoo! Announce Hit Comedy Series ‘Burning Love’ will return to Yahoo! Screen For Two More Seasons. Paramount. 30 October 2012. http://www.paramount.com/news-and-social-media/news-and-press-releases/paramount-s-insurge-pictures-and-yahoo-announce-hit
[16] Adam Sandler’s Next: Ridiculous 6. Fleming, Mike Jr. 25 October 2012. http://www.deadline.com/2012/10/adam-sandlers-next-ridiculous-6//
[17] Par Gets ‘Leftovers.’ McNary, Dave. Variety. 25 October 2012. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118061362?refCatId=13/
[18] John Singleton Settles ‘Hustle & Flow’ Lawsuit Against Paramount, MTV Films. The Wrap.05 November 2012. http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/john-singleton-settles-hustle-flow-lawsuit-against-paramount-mtv-films-63816
[19] Anheuser-Busch Asks Paramount Pictures to Remove Budweiser from Denzel Washington Movie ‘Flight.’ McCartney, Anthony. 05 November 2012. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/05/budweiser-flight-removal-paramount_n_2080328.html
[20] Paramount Producing Brett Ratner’s ‘Herecules’ with MGM. Miller, Daniel. 07 November 2012. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/risky-business/hercules-dwayne-johnson-brett-ratner-387516
[21] Mark Wahlberg Confirmed as the New Lead in Transformers 4, Plus a New Logo for the Film. Trumbore, David. 08 November 2012. http://collider.com/mark-wahlberg-transformers-4/209779/
[22] Joel Silver Finds ‘Sanctuary’ at Paramount. Fleming, Mike Jr. http://www.deadline.com/2012/11/joel-silver-finds-sanctuary-at-paramount/
[23] ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ Will Sneak Before ‘The Hobbit.’ McClintock, Pamela. 14 November 2012. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/star-trek-footage-will-sneak-390690
[24] ‘Paranormal Activity 5’ Confirmed for Halloween 2013; Latino Spin-Off Next Spring. Schaefer, Sandy. http://screenrant.com/paranormal-activity-5-latino-spinoff-confirmed/
[25] ‘Jack Reacher’ International Trailer Introduces New Characters; Grittier Plot Info. Nailon, Buffy. 05 December 2012. http://www.examiner.com/article/jack-reacher-international-trailer-introduces-new-characters-grittier-plot-info
[26] Para(mount’s Ab)normal Activity: $1MM Yearly for Microbudget Films. Miller, Scott. ScreenRant. http://screenrant.com/paramount-microbudget-films-paranormal-activity-scottm-37762/
[27] Viacom Earnings Plummet; Paramount Revenue Down 29%. James, Meg. LA Times. 03 August 2012. http://articles.latimes.com/2012/aug/03/entertainment/la-et-ct-viacom-earnings-20120803
[28] Viacom Earnings Climb, But Paramount Weaker, Ads Light. Harlin, Kevin. Investors.com. 15 November 2012. http://news.investors.com/business/111512-633555-viacom-fourth-quarter-earnings-beat.htm
[29] The Paramount Story. 2012. http://www.paramount.com/100-years-paramount/paramount-story
[30] Paramount logo. http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/sites/default/files/styles/performance_slideshow/public/program_photos/paramount_685x250.jpg