Viacom

Beth McCann, Divya Yeleswarapu, Hugh Sims
http://hoitalent.com/positions/content-operator/

Viacom Logo [1]

VIACOM, INC.

1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

(212) 258-6000

viacom.com


ABOUT

viacom-networks

Viacom Networks [3]

American media conglomerate Viacom, Inc. is a media company home to television, cinema, online and mobile networks and brands in over 160 countries and territories, reaching approximately 700 million subscribers around the globe.

Their leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, BET, Nickelodeon and its various channels, Comedy Central, Spike, and Paramount Channel. Viacom owns Paramount Pictures as well, which is a major producer and distributor for movies [2].


HISTORY

cbs-viacom

Viacom and CBS Logos [21]

Viacom got its start in 1971. Viacom acquired its various networks over the course of 30 years, purchasing various channels including MTV, Nickelodeon, and BET. In the 1990s they entered a merger with CBS [4]. However, the two separated into two companies in 2005, now known as CBS Corporation and today’s Viacom Inc. The split was made to separate radio and television from the rest of the company [21]. Today, Viacom continues to create new shows for their various networks and launch new ideas.


CURRENT AND FUTURE MEDIA

Recently, Viacom has been concerned with attracting younger viewers from children’s ages to young adults aged 18-25. They are trying to stay relevant in the developing world of streaming content but still trying to pull in viewers for live shows.

rockcos_ml_01hr

Rocko’s Modern Life Poster [5]

On Nickelodeon, Viacom is attempting to draw in new and old audiences alike with programming reminiscent of shows on in the 1990s. Viacom announced in August they would have an hour long special of the classic 90s Nickelodeon cartoon Rocko’s Modern Life [5].

In October they announced there would be a special of Double Dare, a game show from the 1980s and 1990s [6]. They later said they would be releasing Legends of the Hidden Temple: The Movie to come out based off of the popular 1990s Nickelodeon show [7]. They are attempting to appeal to a younger generation who has never seen this content as well as nostalgic young adults.

Legends of the Hidden Temple: The Movie-Official Trailer [8]
directv-now-400x300

DirectTV Now Logo [15]

Viacom is also launching some of its networks on DirecTV Now, AT&T’s streaming service. They want to deliver more content to fans in more places and allow them to stream content at their own convenience [9].

However, Viacom is also developing tactics to aid in the live viewing experience for consumers. Viacom Labs created what they called a “breakthrough television format” that they hope to launch in 2017 on MTV Music. They have created a TV format that pulls livestreams of fans in a real time feed during the scheduled television show [10]. It creates an interactive and unique experience for fans and will help to motivate people to watch shows in real time rather than stream them days later.


MANAGEMENT

PhilippeDauman

Philippe Dauman-Former CEO and President [11]

Within the last few months, Viacom has gone through some major changes in management. As of August 20th, Chief Executive Philippe Dauman resigned which ended the legal fight between members of the Viacom board and Redstone’s National Amusements Inc. This is a privately held company that holds 80% of the voting shares of Viacom and CBS Corp. Under the agreement, Dauman received about $72 million and was replaced by previous COO Thomas Dooley who served as interim CEO until the end of Viacom’s fiscal year [16].

robert bakish

Robert Bakish-New CEO of Viacom [12]

Recently, Viacom declared that Robert Bakish will be acting chief executive replacing Tom Dooley. Bakish, a 19-year company veteran who headed the company’s international media networks, has also been named President and CEO of a newly created group called Viacom Global Entertainment Group [17]. The group will run Viacom’s most popular networks including MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, Spike and others [18].

 

 


FUTURE OF THE COMPANY

whats-next-for-the-tv-industry-find-out-from-cbs-ceo-les-moonves-at-ignition-2015

Leslie Moonves- CEO of CBS [13]

In terms of Viacom’s future, there is a lot leaning on this merger with CBS. According to The Hollywood Reporter the Viacom special committee who is working exclusively on the merger hopes to wrap everything up by the year’s end [19]. It is planned that CBS Corp. President and CEO Leslie Moonves would eventually oversee the combined entity. However, the company is determined to move forward whether as a stand-alone company or in a potential combination with CBS. Newest interim CEO Bob Bakish has a lot of goals and wants to push the company forward in terms of speed, sharing, and a global outlook. He is planning to invest in new content and to deliver significant audiences on genres other than high-dollar programming. Bakish said, “We’re not going to stand still while the CBS merger is being evaluated. I believe there’s a lot of work we can do in the near-term to make us stronger, no matter what the next chapter of Viacom is. It’s time to move forward [20].”


FINANCES

The first day of trading since the split between Viacom and CBS Corporation showed a 2.8 percent increase in the shares of CBS Corp. to $26.20, and a 1.1 percent increase in the shares of Viacom, to $41.59 [21]. In the current year 2016, they averaged out their most recent 50-day span at $41.47 per share. As of November 2016, Viacom has a 6.1% market share and is among the top 5 competitors in the cable and entertainment industry [24]. Due to the ongoing internal management battle, Viacom’s stock performance has gone down with -8.06% in the last 90 days, compared to the industry average of -0.22%. However, in comparison to CBS Corporation, Walt Disney Company, and Comcast Corporation, Viacom’s recent one day and five day stock performance, 3.58% and 1.4% respectively, has exceeded them all [22].

viacom-share-price

Viacom 52 Week Share Price [14]

This major media company has had declining performance over the last 11 years, however, it has never made negative profits and instead managed to stay afloat, but the drop in total revenue has been alarming. Over the last year their 52 Week High was $47.17 and their 52 Week Low was $38.61 [23].

Their total revenue has capped off at 13.05 B which is not where they want to be, considering that their profit margin is 15.85% and the typical average for a media company is usually around 23% [22]. In 2012, revenue increased about 16.7% because NBC Universal merged with Comcast Corporation, which provided Viacom with unforeseen and extra production materials, allowing mega growth through 2013 and the year-end stock price to cap off at $87.34 [23].

The revenue has seen a sharp decrease over the last five years by dropping 3.74% and ending the year 2015 with a drop of 44.36% to a monetary outcome of $6.18B as their gross income. It was the lowest value over the defined period. That left them with a free financing cash flow of $2.17B, which was a 12.75% decrease from the previous year 2014. However, the little glimmer of hope that Viacom took from its bleak financials into the current year 2016 is that the net operating cash flow has only been seeing growth over the last five years, and capped at a 17.43% increase coming in [22][24]. Therefore, this media conglomerate has cash to grow and operate its company through the many bumps in the reel.


OVERVIEW

Despite turmoil within the company and stress from the possible CBS, Viacom continues to move forward by creating new content for their networks and trying to reach as large an audience as possible.


SOURCES

[1] Viacom-HoiTalent. Retrieved November 25, 2016. http://hoitalent.com/company/viacom/

[2] About Viacom. Retrieved November 14, 2016. http://www.viacom.com/about/pages/default.aspx

[3] Dampier, Phillip. April 1, 2014. Stop the Cap! Viacom Demands 100% Rate Increases for Hundreds of Small Cable Systems, Military Bases. Retrieved November 14, 2016. http://stopthecap.com/2014/04/01/viacom-demands-100-rate-increases-for-hundreds-of-small-cable-systems-military-bases/

[4] Viacom Timeline. Retrieved November 14, 2016. http://www.viacom.com/about/pages/history.aspx

[5] Acquire Media. August 11, 2016. Nickelodeon Brings Back Rocko’s Modern Life for Brand-New, Original One-Hour TV Special Based on the Classic ‘90s Hit Animated Series. Retrieved November 14, 2016. http://ir.viacom.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=984177

[6] Acquire Media. October 6, 2016. Nickelodeon Announces Brand-New Double Dare Special Commemorating Iconic Game Show’s 30th Anniversary Year, Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT). Retrieved November 14, 2016. http://ir.viacom.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=992484

[7] Acquire Media. October 6, 2016. Nickelodeon’s Original TV Movie Event, Legends of the Hidden Temple, Bows Saturday, Nov. 26, at 8 P.M. (ET/PT). Retrieved November 14, 2016. http://ir.viacom.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=992490

[8] July 23, 2016. Legends of the Hidden Temple: The Movie l First Official Trailer I Nick – YouTube. Retrieved November 25, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7eHPW7n7Ko

[9] Acquire Media. October 4, 2016. Viacom Networks to Launch on DIRECTV NOW. Retrieved November 14, 2016. http://ir.viacom.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=992023

[10] Acquire Media. October 24, 2016. First Ever Livestream-to-TV Format Pioneered by Viacom Labs, Greenlit for On-Air Series. Retrieved November 14, 2016. http://ir.viacom.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=995056

[11] January 15, 2015. Viacom Extends Employment Agreement with President and Chief Executive Officer Philippe Dauman Through 2018. Retrieved November 26, 2016. http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150115006254/en/Viacom-Extends-Employment-Agreement-President-Chief-Executive

[12] Senior Management. Retrieved November 26, 2016. http://www.viacom.com/about/pages/seniormanagement.aspx

[13] Salem, Yasir. November 19, 2015. What’s next for the TV industry? Find out from CBS CEO Les Moonves at IGNITION 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2016. http://www.businessinsider.com/cbs-ceo-les-moonves-to-speak-at-ignition-2015-7

[14] Viacom, Inc. Retrieved November 26, 2016. https://www.google.com/finance?cid=703770

[15] DirectTV Now Logo. Retrieved November 16, 2016. http://www.multichannel.com/sites/default/files/public/styles/blog_content/public/DirecTV%20Now%20400×300.jpg?itok=Mb9HjA3j

[16] Reuters. August 20, 2016. Viacom Says CEO Dauman to Resign Post Immediately; Dooley Steps In. Retrieved November 12, 2016. http://fortune.com/2016/08/20/viacom-ceo-to-resign-immediately/

[17] Reuters. October 31, 2016. Viacom names Bob Bakish acting CEO. Retrieved November 14, 2016. http://fortune.com/2016/10/31/viacom-has-a-new-acting-ceo/

[18] Yu, Roger. November 1, 2016. Viacom names Bakish as acting CEO. Retrieved November 14, 2016. http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/10/31/viacom-names-bakish-acting-ceo/93083054/

[19] Masters, Kim. November 10, 2016. CBS-Viacom Merger Intrigue as Les Moonves Pushes for Clear Control. Retrieved November 14, 2016. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cbs-viacom-merger-intrigue-as-les-moonves-pushes-clear-control-945477

[20] Lieberman, David. November 9, 2016. Viacom’s Bob Bakish Vows To Accelerate Growth As It Weighs CBS Merger. Retrieved November 16, 2016. http://deadline.com/2016/11/viacom-bob-bakish-accelerate-growth-plans-consider-cbs-merger-1201851548/

[21] Alfano, Sean. January 3, 2006. CBS, Viacom Formally Split. Retrieved November 16, 2016. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbs-viacom-formally-split/

[22] List of VIA’s Competitors and Stock Performance. Retrieved November 16, 2016. http://csimarket.com/stocks/competitionNO2.php?code=VIA

[23]  Viacom Inc. – Stock Performance. Retrieved November 16, 2016. http://ir.viacom.com/stockquote.cfm

[24] IBISWorld US – Industry, Company and Business Research Reports and Information. Retrieved November 16, 2016. http://clients1.ibisworld.com/reports/us/industry/majorcompanies.aspx?entid=1245

Viacom

by  JACKIE PERRELLI
Earns Viacom

Viacom Logo [1]

Company 

Viacom is an entertainment powerhouse responsible for connecting with audiences through a variety of platforms.  With approximately 700 million global subscribers [2], Viacom distributes their content across television, and more importantly, online. Lately, Viacom has been focused on restructuring the company and finding new ways to reach audiences.  With his recent two-year contract extension, Philippe Dauman, [3] both CEO and President, is believed to be the right man in charge to handle the Viacom reboot.

Dauman’s leadership is especially important in a time when Sumner Redstone, founder of Viacom, is in questionable health.  Redstone was not able to attend the last shareholder meeting held in early March [4]. The company is prepared; however, for a post-Sumner world.  A board of trustees is in place consisting of current CEOs and family members, ready to protect the Viacom empire. It has even been rumored that Viacom will merge with another media conglomerate, but told not during Redstone’s reign [5].

Background

viacom-networks

Viacom TV Channels [23]

MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and TV Land are a few channels inclusive to the Viacom brand. In 1987 Redstone, controlling shareholder, bought the company for $3.4 billion dollars [6]. Today, Viacom’s share price is 69.77 [7]. This number is the result of a 14 percent decline last year and already another 8.8 percent downfall in 2015 [8]. Within the past 52 week period the Viacom share price has been as high as 89.76 [7]. One source of the drop in stock price can be attributed to poor ratings.

Screen Shot 2015-04-14 at 4.03.48 PM

Stock Price [9]

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Viacom Ratings [11]

Viacom pinpoints Nielsen ratings and their inability to calculate views from online sources [10].  Due to the fact that most traditional viewers are switching to some sort of online viewing, ratings from online sources are imperative to Viacom.  Since last year, most Viacom channels have declined greatly and are down 30 percent ratings wise [11].  For this reason and many more is why Viacom is in the middle of a reconstruction period.

 Online Content

Noggin is a new mobile subscription service for preschoolers.

Noggin Streaming Service [13]

With the goal of staying relevant in a world that skews online, Viacom created a streaming service outside their traditional cable package.  This streaming service, Noggin, is through Nickelodeon and aimed at a younger demographic.  Due to an 18 percent tumble in audience viewership last quarter, Viacom introduced the service in order to compete with other companies.  However, known for their television bundle, Viacom has to be careful not to turn viewers completely online, resulting in subscription cancellation. The livelihood of other channels like VH1, MTV, and TV Land, are at risk if viewers abandon their subscriptions [12].  Viacom is already in risky territory with Suddenlink, the seventh-largest cable operator in the U.S, having recently discontinued their services with Viacom [14].

imgres

Viacom VS Suddenlink [22]

Not wanting to pay significant increases for channels, Suddenlink got rid of the bundle completely.  Although Suddenlink lost significant viewers from the Viacom split, 99.7 percent of their customers continued to pay for Internet services [14].  At a time with such a strong online presence,  Viacom fears that other cable companies could follow in Suddenlink’s footsteps and drop the channel lineup; resulting in solely online streaming.  In preparation for the future of television, Viacom has planned to reorganize their company.  This has resulted in the favoring of employees with technical capabilities rather than traditional workers as content continues to move online [12].

Viacom Restructuring

Along with a changing platform for providing content, Viacom is experiencing changes throughout the entire company.  Most of the changes occurring in the company today stem from both low ratings and advertisement sales. To ameliorate the ad sales, Viacom is going into upfront season with a new strategy to boost advertisers participation within the network.  With the Nielsen ratings not sustaining the amount of klout they once had, Viacom has chosen to guarantee success for the advertiser’s ads by broadcasting to very niche audiences [15].   

[16] 

That in mind, the company outlined a plan that would restructure the Viacom brand moving forward.  This business plan included the layoff of 400 jobs across the company ranging from New York to Los Angeles, and encompassing some highly ranked positions.  With the elimination of some jobs and cancellation of underperforming shows, Viacom aims to save $350 million dollars annually once the restructuring is complete.  But before this can happen, Viacom put a halt on their share buyback program, which aims to shrink the number of outstanding shares, and recorded a $785 million in pre-tax charge for the compensation of laid off workers, abandonment of ineffective programming, and declining ratings due to online competition [17].

To learn more about the Viacom reboot period and which shows are getting cut from the Viacom lineup: click here [18].

Another part of the Viacom restructure deals with the consolidation from three television network groups into two.  The first group includes: Comedy Central, MTV, Spike, Logo, and VH1, while TV Land and CMT are now placed with Nickelodeon.  The first group will focus towards general content, while the second network group will have a more family-entertainment aspect to it [19]. The Viacom reboot has a significant focus on a shift from traditional TV to more digital content, having a more niche staff, and investing in areas that progress Viacom as a company.

New Audiences

funny_or_die_4

Funny or Die Logo [20]

As Viacom attempts to save money and explore new options, the company has two audience-building transactions in the works.  The first transaction deals with the acquisition of three comedy websites.  The Onion, Funny or Die, and CollegeHumor, give Viacom more ways to tap into digital and online audiences. [12]

P1-BS524_VIACOM_16U_20150119182705

International Revenue [21]

The second transaction involves new audiences and opportunities for Viacom in India.  With a very saturated, highly online, U.S. market, Viacom is looking to places overseas worth investing in. While U.S. viewers tend to get most of their content in ways other than the traditional TV, India offers more pay-for-tv customers.  Viacom already owns Channel18 in India and is now vying for five more local entertainment channels.  The company sees India as a place to invest with over 250 million households with pay-TV service and subscriptions. A benefit of investing in areas overseas are the low-budget production costs and the ability to expand Viacom’s American channels to new countries.  Foreign markets allow Viacom to tap into potential audiences outside The United States [21].  India is a popular market not only for Viacom, but also other television companies that are beginning to see the potential in investing overseas.

Overview

It is apparent that many changes are taking place at Viacom, and will continue to take place until the company feels ready and back on its feet.  The reorganization of the company, streaming service, and plans for the future are all positive ways in which Viacom can grow and prosper.

Sources

[1]  Stempel, Jonathan (March 12 2015). Viacom Agrees To $7.21 Million Settlement To End Interns Wage LawsuitHuffington Post. Retrieved: April 9 2015.

[2] About ViacomViacom. Retrieved: April 9 2015.

[3] Hagey, Keach and Stynes, Tess (January 15 2015). Viacom Extends CEO’s Contract by Two Years.  The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved: April 2 2015.

[4] Szalai, George (March 12 2015). Sumner Redstone to Miss Viacom Shareholder MeetingThe Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved: April 2 2015.

[5] Atkinson, Claire (March 14 2015).  Post-Sumner CBS-Viacom power a mixed bagNew York Post. Retrieved: April 9 2015.

[6] The Autumn of SumnerThe Economist. Retrieved: April 9 2015.

[7] Viacom Stock PriceGoogle Finance. Retrieved: April 10 2015.

[8] Sakoui, Anousha (April 6 2015). Viacom Halts Buybacks, Sees $785 Million Restructuring CostsBloomberg Business. Retrieved: April 9 2015.

[9] Viacom Stock PriceYahoo Finance. Retrieved: April 9 2015.

[10] Hagey, Keach and Ramachandran, Shalini (February 11 2015). The Picture Gets Fuzzy at Viacom.  The Wall Street Journal.  Retrieved: April 9 2015.

[11] Layoffs, restructuring leads to chaos at ViacomFox Business. Retrieved: April 14 2015.

[12] Steel, Emily (January 29 2015). Nickelodeon to Offer a Streaming Service as Viacom Steps Up Digital EffortsThe New York Times.  Retrieved: April 9 2015.

[13] Perez, Sarah (February 25 2015). Nickelodeon Unveils “Noggin,” A Mobile Subscription Service For Preschoolers Arriving In March. Tech Crunch. Retrieved: April 13 2015.

[14] Steel, Emily (March 8 2015). Provider’s Dispute With Viacom Highlights Skirmish Over the Cable Bundle. New York Times.  Retrieved: April 6 2015.

[15] Steinberg, Brian (April 13 2015). Time Warner, Viacom Back Away From Nielsen Guarantees For Ads. Variety. Retrieved: April 15 2015.

[16] Ryssdal, Kai (April 14 2015). Make more upfront: Viacom, Turner discuss new ad modelMarketplace. Retrieved: April 14 2015.

[17] Gottfried, Miriam (April 7 2015). Viacom: Buyback Step Back Isn’t a Setback. The Wall Street Journal.  Retrieved: April 9 2015.

[18] Viacom faces behemoth $785M charge. Youtube. Retrieved: April 15 2015.

[19] Viacom restructures to take $785 mn charge, brings TV networks into two unitsTelevision Post. Retrieved April 10 2015.

[20] Hunsucker, Andy (November 10 2011). A Place For Film Interviews – Funny Or Die ProducersIndiana Public Media. Retrieved: April 14 2015.

[21] Sharma, Amol (January 19 2015). Why Viacom Is Looking to India for a New TV AudienceThe Wall Street Journal. Retrieved: April 9 2015.

[22] Goff, Andrew (October 2 2014). Ack! The Suddenlink vs. Viacom War Now Hurting Humboldt’s Ability to Watch the Daily Show Online. Lost Coast Outpost. Retrieved: April 13 2015.

[23] Dampier, Phillip (April 1 2015).  Viacom Demands 100% Rate Increases for Hundreds of Small Cable Systems, Military Bases. Stop the Cap!  Retrieved: April 13 2015.

Viacom

by Timothy Chew
Viacom Brands

[1] Viacom Logo

About Viacom

Viacom is an American mass media company that specialises in entertainment content in over 160 countries across television, film, mobile and online platforms. Viacom is the parent company to many of the world’s most elite entertainment brands including MTV Networks, Nickelodeon, VH1, BET Networks, Comedy Central, SPIKE, TV Land, CMT, Paramount Pictures and many more [2]. 

Reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers, Viacom’s media networks have become one of the largest media conglomerates in the world [3].

Television Networks

[4] Viacom’s Media Network Brands

Viacom is home to a wide variety of television networks and has successfully developed original entertainment content that has reached a diverse audience [4]. MTV is best known for producing the MTV Video Music Awards, Nickelodeon is one of the most influential television channels in children’s entertainment and Comedy Central is America’s number one comedy channel. Viacom has produced many popular television shows including MTV’s Awkward and Teen Wolf, Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and many more [4].

Film

paramount-logo

[5]  Paramount Pictures Logo

Paramount Pictures Corporation is a film production and distribution studio that is also a subsidiary of Viacom. Paramount is the distributor for DreamWorks Animation, Marvel, MTV Films, Nickelodeon Movies, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Classics and Paramount Vantage [4]. In 2014, Paramount grossed $953.6 million, becoming the sixth highest grossing film studio in the box office [6]. Paramount has produced many major blockbusters films including “Titanic“, “Transformers“, “Forrest Gump“, “Shrek” and “Iron Man[7].

Financials

Viacom has remained well positioned financially this year. In the fourth quarter of 2014, Viacom’s revenue has increased 9% from $3.6 billion to $3.9 billion [8]. Viacom’s Media Networks annual year-end revenue has rose significantly from $9.6 billion to 10.1 billion [8]. However, Viacom’s film entertainment’s suffered a decrease in annual year-end revenue dropping from $4.2 billion to $3.7 billion [8]. Viacom’s year-end operating income has rose to 5% to a record breaking $4.13 billion from $3.9 billion in 2013 [8].

Key Executives

Philippe Dauman

[9] Philippe Dauman, President and Chief Executive Officer

TomDooley

[10] Thomas E. Dooley, Chief Operating Officer

WadeDavis

[11] Wade Davis, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development

Recent News

1+May+Viacom+acquires+Channel+5

[12] Viacom Acquires Channel 5

Viacom Closes Acquisition of UK’s Channel 5

After announcing a deal on May 1st, Viacom has closed acquisition of British’s broadcaster Channel 5 for $725 million on September 10th [12]. This deal was made to expand Viacom’s investment in its entertainment content produced in the UK. In addition, Nickelodeon will be partnering with Channel 5’s pre-school program, Milkshake. Viacom and Channel 5 will collaborate to produce a new animated series called “Nella the Knight“, their first co-production which is under Viacom’s wing [12]. Viacom and Channel 5 will co-fund “Nella the Knight“, which will be produced in the UK. Channel 5 will also air episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles [12]. Besides that, MTV UK and Channel 5 are partnering to commission a new series called 10,000 BC. In 10,000 BC, 20 participants leave the comforts of their modern life and travel back to the Stone Age. This 10 episode series is set to premiere on Channel 5 in 2015 [12].

sony-viacom-logos

[13] Viacom and Sony Partnership

Viacom and Sony Inks Internet Distribution Deal

Viacom announced a major programming deal with Sony to license live and on demand programming for at least 22 Viacom cable networks including Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, SPIKE, and VH1 for Sony’s cloud-based TV service [13]. This agreement marks Viacom’s first deal to provide its networks for an Internet based live TV and Video On Demand service. Sony’s new cloud-based TV service will integrate live TV content with a dynamic experience people are accustomed to look for form their network. This new service will provide access to hundreds of hours of Viacom programming to over 75 million Internet-enabled Sony devices in the U.S [14].

Releases

TMNT35

[15] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, directed by Jonathan Liebasman

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles


“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is an action comedy film that made tremendous success in the box office this summer. The film was produced by highly acclaimed “Transformers” producer Michael Bay and directed by Jonathan Liebasman. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” was a recreation of the original comic series. On its opening weekend, this summer blockbuster locked in a staggering $65 million [16]. Since its release, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” has made $191 million in the US and $286 million in the international market. This film surprisingly remained number 1 in the box office on its first two weeks of release [16].Unlike many films released this summer, this film managed to surpass its budget within 3 weeks of its release, proving to be a major success [16].

interstellar

[17] Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan

Interstellar

Interstellar” is a Sci-Fi thriller starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. The film is based on a team of explorers who travel to space on an adventure to search for a habitable planet that could potentially save the human race [17 . The film was director by Christopher Nolan.  Unfortunately, “Interstellar” failed to reach its predicted $50 million on its opening weekend, and only made $47.5 million instead [18]. Although, “Interstellar” has not done quite as well domestically by only making $138 million since its premiere, it has been a major success in the foreign market making a whopping $331 million, surpassing its $165 million budget. Since its opening weekend, the film has made over $468 million worldwide proving to be a global success [19].

Upcoming Releases

eye_candy_key_art_mtv_a_p

[20] Eye Candy, MTV’s New Thriller

MTV Announces New Scripted Thriller

MTV announced a new scripted thriller series called “Eye Candy.” The new series is based on R.L Stine’s popular novel “Eye Candy.” The series is produced by Jason Blum and Catherine Hardwicke. “Eye Candy” revolves around tech genius, Lindy who is played by Victoria Justice [21]. Lindy begins online dating and suspects one of her strange suitors to be a potential serial killer. Lindy then partners with a team of hackers to solve these mysterious murders on the streets of New York. “Eye Candy” is an 10-episode, hour-long thriller that is set to premiere on January 12, 2015 [21].

Trailer [22].

Mission-Impossible-5-starring-Tome-Cruise

[23] Mission Impossible 5, directed by Christopher McQuarrie

Mission Impossible To Release Fifth Film

The fifth instalment of the Mission Impossible franchise is hitting theatres next winter. The film is directed by Christopher McQuarrie and written by Drew Pearce. “Mission Impossible 5” is produced by Paramount and J.J Abrams’ Production Company, Bad Robot. In “Mission Impossible 5“, Tom Cruise will be returning to his role of Ethan Hunt. The previous film, “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” set the record very high after grossing a staggering $695 million globally [24]. Mission Impossible 5 is set to release on December 25th, 2015. The film’s trailer has not been released [25].

Sources

[1] Viacom’s Logo, Variety.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[2] About Viacom, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[3] “Advertising Revenue Drive Media Networks Business“, Marketrealist.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[4] Viacom Brands, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[5] Paramount Pictures’s Logo, Paramountguilds.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[6] Studio Market Share, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[7] Paramount’s All Time Box Office Results, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[8] Viacom’s Fiscal Report 2014, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[9] Philippe Dauman, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[10] Thomas E. Dooley, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[11] Wade Davis,Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[12] Viacom Closes Acquisition of Channel 5, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[13] Viacom and Sony Partnership,Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[14] Viacom Inks Pact with Sony, Variety.com, 9/10/2014, RT: 11/30/2014

[15] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Poster, Teenagemutantninjaturtlesmovie.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[16] Box Office Results, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[17] Interstellar Poster, Interstellar-movie.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[18] “Interstellar Final Box Office Fails to Hit $50 Million Estimates”, Variety.com, 11/10/2014, RT: 11/30/2014

[19] Box Office Results, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[20] Eye Candy Poster, Hollywoordreporter.com, 11/02/2014, RT: 11/30/2014

[21] MTV’s New Scripted Thriller, Viacom.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[22] Eye Candy Trailer, Youtube.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[23] Mission Impossible 5 Poster, Screenrant.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[24] Box Office Results, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/30/2014

[25] “Mission: Impossible 5 to Hit Theaters in December 2015”, Hollywoodreporter.com, 11/13/2014, RT: 11/30/2014

Viacom

by Nalae White
726px-Viacom_logo.svgViacom Inc.                                                                                                                 1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
United States
Phone: (212)-258-6000
http://www.viacom.com [1]

Key Executives:

Philippe Dauman, CEO

Sumner M. Redstone, Founder & Executive Chairman

Thomas E. Dooley, COO

Wade Davis, CFO

Company Overview:

Viacom Inc. is an American mass media company that mainly produces films and cable television shows. Viacom is the fifth largest broadcasting and cable company in the country. Their network reaches approximately 700 million subscribers internationally, throughout about 160 countries and territories. It is estimated that Viacom owns and operates roughly 170 networks, in addition to Paramount Studios, America’s oldest film studio and distributor. Viacom’s networks are largely content based, satisfying more niche markets. Viacom operates hundreds of online, mobile, and app experiences across a wide range of media platforms, including both traditional and new forms of media. [2]

Viacom Owned Networks

Viacom Owned Networks [i]

Viacom’s history as an independent company has been complicated. Viacom began as a spin-off network from what was then CBS, Inc., establishing itself as a public company in 1971. In 1987, National Amusements acquired the controlling shares of Viacom, owning 83% of the company. However, in 2000, Viacom formed a $39.8 billion merger with CBS Corporation, uniting the two companies once again. Then, in 2005, the companies parted ways again and Viacom rebranded itself as Viacom Inc. Along the way, Viacom had acquired and created over 100 channels through MTV Networks and otherwise. The company has experimented with joint ventures like EPIX, partnerships with music groups like Warner Music Group, feeding into more targeted markets with channels like mtvU, and of course new and innovative ideas for creating and distributing content. [3]

Current Ongoings:

Rendering of Columbia Square

Rendering of Columbia Square [4]

Viacom recently made the decision to relocate and consolidate several of its big name networks to one building in Columbia Square on Sunset Boulevard. MTV, Spike TV, Comedy Central, and BET will all operate out of the $420 million complex within 180,000 square feet of space. The move will put the networks closer to Paramount Studios, which operates a mile from the building. Viacom’s 12-year lease states that the company will capacitate nearly the entirety of a 6-story building within the complex. The lease is the largest to be signed in Hollywood in the last 10 years. Viacom is expected to poster sizable graphics that will be visible from far distances on the building. The purchase is instrumental in what is seen as a revamping of Hollywood, with the complex being the largest “media-tenant” since the construction of the Capitol Records Tower in the 1950s. [4]

Viacom’s network continues to expand, opening new channels to satisfy new markets. This year, Viacom renewed an existing distribution deal with Hulu, an online media streaming service. The contract allows Hulu to use Viacom’s existing repertoire of cable networks to substantiate Hulu’s own library. The renewal will also allow Hulu a wider range of material to choose from, including networks that were not previously available to the streaming service before, such as MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon. The deal will contribute largely to the “Hulu Kids” section of the website, reviving older series accompanied by a sense of nostalgia like “Ren & Stimpy” and “Hey Arnold!” which currently air on Viacom’s TeenNick channel. The deal also greatly amplifies the number of Viacom’s past reality shows that will be featured on Hulu. It is speculated that the deal is an attempt by Hulu to compete with Amazon Prime’s Instant Video Inventory. However, the deal barely rivals the existing subscription-streaming deal between Amazon and Viacom, which was the largest sum Amazon has paid for a streaming deal thus far.[5]

Channel 5 Logo

Channel 5 Logo [ii]

Viacom has, additionally, closed a  £450 million deal, acquiring UK’s Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited from Northern & Shell Media Group. Channel 5 and Viacom’s existing networks have begunexperimenting with joint programming, airing Nickelodeon originated shows on Channel 5, as well producing new content with children’s shows like “Nella the Knight” and a reality show called “10,000 B.C.”[6]

Recent Legal Incidents:

In 2007, Viacom filed a $1 billion lawsuit against YouTube, claiming that the website was perpetuating Copyright Infringement. The judge ruled in YouTube’s favor in 2010, and Viacom filed for an appeal. The suit litigated for a total of 6 years until in 2013, the judge ruled again that YouTube “did not have to police itself”, and that it was Viacom’s responsibility to find infringing videos and alert YouTube to their presence. In March of 2014, Viacom made the decision to cut their losses, reaching an undisclosed settlement in which no money was exchanged with Google, YouTube’s parent company. Since the settlement, the two companies have been in contact about “seizing opportunities”, with the allusion of possible collaborations and close interactions between them.[7][8]

Promotional still for VH1's TLC Biopic, CrazySexyCool

Promotional still for VH1’s TLC Biopic, CrazySexyCool [11]

In April of 2014, Viacom was sued by Perri “Pebbles” Reid, former manager of 90’s R&B group TLC, for claims of defamation. In 2013, the 2-hour biopic “CrazySexyCool”, following the lives and fame of the popular R&B group, premiered on VH1, a channel owned by Viacom Inc. The biopic was reported to have given VH1 its highest ratings in 5 years. The lawsuit calls for $40 million in compensatory and punitive damages, as well as a request to ban the movie or associated promotional materials from being publicized. Reid believes that the movie disparaged her reputation both as an entertainer and businesswoman, and that “Viacom abandoned journalistic and literary integrity and ignored fundamental canons of journalistic and literary conduct by publishing false and defamatory accusations with actual malice.” The former manager claims that she was presented as “conniving and dishonest”, as it demonstrated that she deceived her clients and robbed them of their royalty money. Reid claims that she had no control over the group’s lawyer’s or accountants. Viacom has refused to comment. [9][10][11]

In February of 2013, Cablevision filed an antitrust lawsuit against Viacom, alleging illegal channel tying during program negotiations; Cablevision claims that Viacom threatened a “10 figure penalty” if Cablevision did not agree to carry smaller suites in addition to must-have cable programming. Viacom counters that the “10 figure penalty” in question is the difference between standard rates and a negotiation between Viacom and Cablevision as the result of “good-faith negotiations” since the two have worked together in the past. The lawsuit was filed three months after a carriage deal between Cablevision and Viacom. Viacom moved to have the case dismissed, however the judge ruled that there was viable evidence on Cablevision’s behalf to review an antitrust claim. There is no trial date set.[12]

Financial Information

Fiscal 2014 Report:

Revenues: $13.78B

Adjusted Operating Income:  $4.13B

Adjusted Net Earnings: $2.38B

Adjusted Diluted EPS: $5.4M

Viacom’s fiscal year came to a close on September 30th, 2014.  The company demonstrated an impressive fiscal year. While Viacom’s total revenue showed a negligible change in comparison to the previous year, other factors were notable. Both the company’s Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share reached all time highs, rising 5% and 15% respectively. The company’s Adjusted Net Earnings also increased by 3.8% from the previous year.[13]

Sources:

1 Yahoo! Finance: Viacom Financial Profile Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

2 Viacom Website: About Viacom Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

3 Viacom Timeline: History of Viacom Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

4 LA Times: Viacom Signs 12-Year Lease at Columbia Square in Hollywood Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

5 LA Times: Hulu Extends Streaming Deal With Viacom, Expands Library Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

Viacom News: Viacom Closes Acquisition of Channel 5 Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

Bloomberg BusinessWeek Technology: Viacom Gives Up On Its YouTube Copyright Lawsuit Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

Bloomberg BusinessWeek: Viacom and Google Settle YouTube Lawsuit Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

Bloomberg BusinessWeek: Former TLC manager sues Viacom For Defamation Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

10 The Root: Pebbles Files $40,000,000 Lawsuit Against Viacom Over TLC Biopic Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

11 Eurweb: TLC Biopic Gives VH1 Its Highest Ratings in 5 Years Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

12 The Hollywood Reporter: Viacom Can’t Escape Cablevision’s Antitrust Lawsuit Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

13 4th Quarter ’14 Earnings Press Release: Viacom Reports Record Profit For Fiscal 2014 Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

Photo Sources:

Stop the Cap: Viacom Demands 100% Rate Increases Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

ii Deadline.com: Channel 5 Sale Speculations Date Acquired: December 1st, 2014

Paramount Pictures

by Brian Yuran

Paramount Pictures

paramount-logo-grid-new

Paramount Pictures Logo [1]

Contact Information: [2]

555 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323)-956-5000

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Paramount

Twitter: @paramountpics

http://www.paramount.com

About Paramount Pictures:

Founded in 1912, Paramount Pictures is the fifth oldest surviving film studio. Paramount  specializes in film production, distribution, and digital entertainment. It has built its success on many hit films and franchises, such as Titanic, Indiana Jones, Star Trek, and Transformers. [3] In 1994, Paramount was purchased by Viacom for $8.28 billion. [4]

Key Executives: [5]

deadline_issue7_paramount_r31_page_1

Brad Grey: Chairman and CEO

RobMooreCP2_130x130

Rob Moore: Vice Chairman

FH-AFI_130

Frederick Huntsberry: COO

adam_goodman_0

Adam Goodman: President, Paramount Film Group

Financials:

Paramount Pictures’ 2013 estimated box office revenue was approximately $970 million. [6] Also, its 2013 market share was 10.8%. As of late, Paramount Pictures’ performance has not been ideal. While it was the most profitable of the major studios in 2011, it is currently last. However, Paramount has a business model to fix its recent slip. It plans on making less films and going for guaranteed profit. In fact, Paramount is only releasing 11 films from now on as opposed to 16 in previous years. The studio believes this new business model will work because its profit margin has been 5.5% or more for the past three years, up from 0.5% in 2008. [7] Through these new tactics, Paramount looks to best competitors Warner Bros., Fox, and The Walt Disney Company.

Right Here, Right Now:

Over the summer, Paramount Pictures released the popular franchise films, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers: Age of Extinction. Paramount’s fall season is slow as it is only releasing Interstellar and Men, Women, & Children

Transformers: Age of Extinction

MV5BMjEwNTg1MTA5Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwOTg2OTM4MTE@._V1_SX640_SY720_

Transformers: Age of Extinction Official Poster [8]

Transformers: Age of Extinction dominated the box office, despite negative reviews. It currently holds an 18% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. [9] During its opening weekend, the film grossed $138,345,769 million, giving it the 29th biggest opening of all time. Internationally, the film crossed the $1 billion mark. It has become the highest-grossing film in Chinese film history, generating over $300 million in revenue. [10] Many studios like Paramount have been setting films overseas to appeal to the international market.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Michelangelo [11]

Paramount distributed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a joint Nickelodeon Movies and Platinum Dunes production, in August. The movie focuses on the origin story of the Ninja Turtles and their quest to defeat the evil Shredder. [12] Directed by Jonathan Liebesman and produced by Michael BayTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was major financial success.

It grossed $93.7 million globally during its opening weekend. Domestically, it had an opening of $65 million in 3,845 theaters. To date, the film has grossed over $400 million at the international box office. [13] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had the fourth biggest box office debut ever during the month of August. As a result, a sequel has been ordered for June 3rd, 2016. [14]

Men, Women, & Children

MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN

Adam Sandler in Men, Women, & Children [15]

Directed by Jason Reitman, Men, Women, & Children tells the story of a group of parents and high school students who face the consequences of the power of the Internet. [16] It has only grossed $705,908, which is substantially less than its $16 million budget. It is on track to be a major flop. In its wide release it only earned $306,367. Men, Women, & Children had the fifth worst wide release opening to a movie released on 600 screens. [17] Critical reviews have been negative with a 29% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. [18]

The negative buzz around the film is shocking as the topic very much pertains to the present. The internet has become such an integral part of all our lives. Also, the cast features A-list actors, such as Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, and Judy Greer. In fact, Sandler has been a huge box office draw for the past 15 years; his movies have grossed nearly $4 billion at the box office. [19] Even he could not salvage the film. Furthermore, the main issue was that the plot lines between the characters did not intertwine strongly. There was a huge opportunity to make this film great, but it was unfortunately bland and lacking in aesthetic value according to Chief Film Critic Justin Chang of Variety. [20]

Interstellar:

interstellar_poster_0

Interstellar Movie Poster [21]

Directed and co-written by Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, Interstellar focuses on a team of individuals who search for a habitable planet that will allow humanity to survive. [22] It is maybe Nolan’s most daring film yet as it combines stunning visuals and a puzzling story with a solid family dynamic. Nolan borrowed many thematic elements from 2001: A Space Odyssey. For instance, he pays homage to the black monolith and computer HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Nowadays, it is rare to see a three hour movie, like Interstellar, but most critics are not complaining. A few have not been in love with the film like Joe McGovern of Entertainment Weekly, who gave the film a B- rating. [23] However, most of the other reviews have been more positive as the film currently holds a 9.0 rating on IMDB. [24]

Paramount is only handling the domestic release of Interstellar, while Warner Bros. takes care of the international distribution. [25] It grossed $61,837,040 domestically in its opening weekend, but a whopping $144,737,040 worldwide, which nearly surpassed its $165 million budget. By its second week in theaters, Interstellar grossed over $300 million ($321.9 million to be exact) globally. [26] Domestically in its second week, it made $29.2 million, for a domestic total of $97.8 million as it fell 39%. Over the weekend, it crossed the $500 million mark worldwide. [27]

 In Other News

In 2014, Paramount Pictures became the first major studio to distribute all its content digitally. Also, Paramount has created a new website that enables people to stream movies right from its site so it can funnel money directly back into corporate headquarters, rather than dealing with websites like Amazon Prime. [28]

In addition, Paramount has been in a tireless legal battle with investors who claim they never received their money back from projects such as Mean Girls and The Manchurian Candidate. The investors are suing to get back $40 million of their investment. The court concluded that Paramount is off the hook and not responsible. [29]

Looking Forward: 

Unlike the fall season, Paramount’s winter film slate will be much busier with the releases of highly anticipated films, The Gambler (2014), Top Five, and The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water.

The Gambler (2014) Trailer [30]

The Gambler (2014) is Mark Wahlberg‘s latest film, in which his character, Jim Bennett, borrows money from a gangster and puts his life up as collateral. It is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name. [31]

Top Five Trailer [32]

Top Five is a comedy film written and directed by Chris Rock. It has a planned release date of December 12th, 2014. It currently holds a stellar 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. [33]

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water Trailer [34]

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water is planned to be one of Paramount’s biggest hits of the winter, as it will attract young fans and older fans who grew up viewing the television show.

Paramount’s future appears promising with the other releases of Selma, Hot Tub Time Machine 2, and Project Almanacwhich will be presented in a found footage style. [35] Selma is expected to generate much Oscar talk.

 

Sources:

[1] Paramount Logo, Paramount.com, RT: 11/10/14

[2] Paramount Contact Information, Paramount.com, RT: 11/12/14

[3] Film Franchises, Paramount.com, RT: 11/12/14

[4] “Viacom To Announce Deal To Purchase Paramount”, The New York Times, 9/12/93, RT: 11/12/14

[5] Key Executives, Paramount.com, RT: 11/10/14

[6] Paramount Revenue, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/08/14

[7] New Business Model, The New York Times, 12/22/13, RT: 11/09/14

[8] Transformers: Age of Extinction Poster, IMDB, RT: 11/08/14

[9] Transformers: Age of Extinction Review, Rotten Tomatoes, RT: 11/11/14

[10] Transformers: Age of Extinction in China, Deadline.com, 8/3/14, RT: 11/12/14

[11] Michelangelo Photo, Screenrant.com, RT: 11/07/14

[12] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, IMDB, RT: 11/09/14

[13] “Ninja Turtles Cracks $400 Million”, Variety.com, 11/02/14, RT: 11/10/14

[14] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Sequel Announced, Variety.com, 8/10/14, RT: 11/11/14

[15] “Adam Sandler Leads Sexually Charged Dramedy”, The New York Post, 9/30/14, RT: 11/10/14

[16] Men, Women, & Children Summary, Time.com, RT: 11/10/14

[17] Men, Women, & Children Flop, Thewrap.com, RT: 11/11/14

[18] Men, Women, & Children Rating, Rotten Tomatoes, RT: 11/12/14

[19] Adam Sandler Box Office, The New York Times, 9/30/14, RT: 11/09/14

[20] Justin Chang, Variety.com, 09/06/14, RT: 11/10/14

[21] Interstellar Photo, Hollywoodreporter.com, RT: 11/11/14

[22] Interstellar Info, RogerEbert.com, RT: 11/16/14

[23] Joe McGovern, Entertainment Weekly, 11/19/14, RT: 11/19/14

[24] Interstellar Rating, IMDB, RT: 11/19/14

[25] Interstellar Distribution, Variety.com, 11/16/14, RT: 11/19/14

[26] Interstellar Box Office, Boxofficemojo.com, RT: 11/20/14

[27] Interstellar’s Splash, Deadline.com, RT: 11/21/14

[28] Paramount Streaming Service, Theverge.com, RT: 11/06/14

[29] “Paramount Pictures, Movie Investors in Mean Fight”, The Wall Street Journal, 10/26/14, RT: 11/18/14

[30] The Gambler (2014) Trailer, Youtube.com, RT: 11/18/14

[31] The Gambler (2014), IMDB, RT: 11/18/14

[32] Top Five Trailer, Youtube.com, RT: 11/18/14

[33] Top Five Rating, Rotten Tomatoes, RT: 11/18/14

[34] The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water Trailer, Youtube.com, RT: 11/17/14

[35] Paramount Future Releases, Deadline.com, RT: 11/10/14

Viacom

By Sam Mackoff
[1] Viacom Logo

[1] Viacom Logo

ABOUT VIACOM

Viacom, short for Video and Audio Communications, is a mass media company that produces content globally across television, movies, online and mobile platforms.  Viacom’s media networks reach about 700 million global subscribers, making it one of the world’s largest media conglomerate [2].  Viacom operates about 170 leading entertainment brands including MTV Networks, VH1, BET Networks, Comedy Central, CMT, SPIKE, Nickelodeon Networks, Paramount Pictures and more [3].

Television Networks 

[4] Viacom's Media Brands

[4] Viacom’s Media Brands

Viacom has a large variety of networks that represent a diverse collection of programming. From Nickelodeon, the leading brand in children’s entertainment, to Comedy Central, the number one brand in comedic television, Viacom continues to produce original content that is relevant to all different audience members [4].  Some of Viacom’s leading shows are Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, MTV’s Teen Wolf and Awkward, Comedy Central’s South Park and many more [5].

Film

Paramount Pictures logo

[6] Paramount Pictures Logo

Paramount Pictures Corporation is a production and distribution studio for film.  It is a subsidiary of ViacomParamount distributes content from DreamWorks Animation, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Marvel Studios, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies [4]. Paramount is ranked as the fourth highest grossing film distributor [7]. Some of Paramount’s notable films are, “Transformers”, “Indiana Jones”, “Star Trek”, “Titanic”, and “Forrest Gump” [8].

 FINANCIALS

Viacom is a publicly held.  This year, Viacom did well financially with its media networks revenue, but did not do well financially in film entertainment.  The media networks revenue had a $462 million increase to $9.7 billion by the end of 2013 [9].   The film entertainment revenues had a $538 million decrease from the previous year to $4.3 billion by the end of 2013 [9]Viacom’s net earnings still increased 2% from 2012 to 2013, from $2.3 billion in 2012 to $2.4 billion in 2013 [9].

KEY EXECUTIVES

[10] Philippe Dauman, President and Chief Executive Officer

[10] Philippe Dauman,
President and Chief Executive Officer

[11] Thomas E. Dooley, Chief Operating Officer

[11] Thomas E. Dooley,
Chief Operating Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECENT NEWS
Viacom and Google Call a Truce

image6611550x

[12] Google Vs. Viacom

After seven years of battling in court, Viacom and Google have settled the copyright infringement lawsuit, in which neither company exchanged money to the other.  Viacom filed a $1 billion lawsuit in 2007 against YouTube, which is owned by Google, stating that there were billions of dollars in damages for copyright infringement by uploading unauthorized clips from Viacom programming.  After years of arguing, Viacom and YouTube released a settlement statement saying, “This settlement reflects the growing collaborative dialogue between our two companies on important opportunities, and we look forward to working more closely together” [13].

Viacom Teams Up with Tumblr

Tumblr-partnership-with-Viacom

[14] Tumblr and Viacom Partnership

Viacom announced an exclusive partnership with the popular blogging website, Tumblr. The two companies together will offer co-branded campaigns and content for shows and events for Viacom’s networks through the 2014 Upfront Season.  This partnership marks Viacom as the first television programmer to develop a marketing partnership with Tumblr. Viacom’s partnership with Tumblr creates a unique opportunity for Viacom to use this creative platform with its advertisers in order to reach a large audience because of its major social activity.  On the consumer end, it allows users to view content in a fun and interactive way [15].

RELEASES

[16] “The Wolf of Wall Street”, directed by Martin Scorsese

The Wolf of Wall Street

The dark comedy, “The Wolf of Wall Street”, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort’s life. The film takes you through the New York stockbroker’s journey from rags to riches, starting in penny stocks to running an extremely successful firm.  This film has had major success worldwide.  The high admiration has earned the film a Golden Globe and five Academy Award nominations [17]. Surpassing all Christmas sales in theaters on its holiday release date [18], the film made $10 million on its opening day and over $18 million on its opening weekend [19]. This film has accumulated grosses of $116.9 million domestically and $272.7 million in the foreign market [19].

 

001_Noah_poster

[20] “Noah”, directed by Darren Aronofsky

Noah

The recent release of the biblical inspired film, “Noah”, directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Russell Crowe, is inspired by the biblical story of Noah’s Ark.  Noah is chosen by God to take on a mission to rescue the innocent before an apocalyptic flood hits the world.  This film ranked #1 at the box office on its opening weekend on March 28th [21]“Noah” brought in a diverse audience including men and women of all ages that were Christian, Catholic Latino and African American [22]“Noah” has faced a sizable decline with a 68% drop since its release [23].  Predictions say that this number will increase during the weekend of Easter because of the faith based audience [24].  “Noah” has made $93.3 million domestically and $197.4 million in the foreign market [21].

 

 UPCOMING RELEASES

Nickelodeon Introduces a New Awards Show

8-Kids-Choice-Sports-Awards-2014-350x348

[25] Michael Strahan, Future Host of Kids Choice Sports

Nickelodeon announced a new award show called Kids Choice Sports, hosted by former football player, Michael Strahan, set to debut this summer.  Kids Choice Sports give viewers the opportunity to have a voice in the show by voting for their favorite teams, players and sports moments as well as selecting the stars to get slimed.  In additions to the awards, the event will also have a musical performance, competitions against athletes and slimed filled sports stunts [26]Kids Choice Sports has the potential to bring in a whole new audience of parents and children who are interested in sports, as well as other viewers who want to be a part of the additional events of the awards show.

Candid Camera Returns After 66 Years

Candid-Camera-creator-Allen-Funt-499x400
[27] Allen Funt, the Original Host of Candid Camera

TV Land announced that it is bringing back a new version of the 1940’s show, Candid CameraCandid Camera is a show that captures the reactions of people in unusual situations using hidden cameras.  Peter Funt, the son of the host and creator of the original show, will be co-producing Candid Camera.  There are 10 new episodes that are set to air this summer [28].

 

Transformers To Release Fourth Film

The fourth Transformers film called, “Transformers: Age of Extinction”, is hitting the theater this summer.  This film was directed by Michael Bay and has notable actors staring in it such as Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, and Jack Reynor [29].  This popular franchise has earned $2.6 billion in the global box office.  The bar for this film was set very high after the last film, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”, earning $1.1 billion globally.  This film is set to release June 27th [30].

Trailer [31]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Recreated in a Live Action Film

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is returning to the screen in a live action film this summer. Producer Michael Bay and director Jonathan Liesmasman, are working together to recreate the story that was originally based off of a comic series [32]Rob Moore, vice chairman of Paramount said, “Michael Bay is committed to making sure young audiences have a reason to flock back to your theaters” [33]. This action comedy film is about four trained ninja turtles that work together to fight off evil.  This summer blockbuster, starring Megan Fox, Noel Fisher, Will Arnet, Jeremy Howard and Alan Ritchso, is set to release August 8th [32].

Trailer [34]

Sources

[1] Viacom’s Logo, Adweek.com, RT: 4/18/2014

[2] About Viacom, Viacom.com, RT: 4/18/2014

[3] “Viacom: Veteran Leading the Way”, Investing Daily, 12/31/2013, RT: 4/17/2014

[4] Viacom Brands, Viacom.com, RT: 4/18/2014

[5] Most Popular TV Shows, TV.com, RT: 4/18/2014

[6] Paramount Pictures Logo, Nickelodeon.Wikia.com, RT: 4/18/14

[7] Leading Distributors- 1995-2014, The-Numbers.com, RT: 4/18/2014

[8] Paramount All Time Box Office Results, BoxOfficeMojo.com, RT: 4/18/2014

[9] Viacom Inc.- Annual Report, Viacom.com, RT: 4/19/2014

[10] Philippe Dauman, Trialx.com, RT: 4/19/2014

[11] Thomas E. Dooley, CNN.com, RT: 4/19/2014

[13] “Google and Viacom Settle Copyright-Infringement Lawsuit over YouTube”, Variety, 3/18/2014, RT: 4/19/2014

[14] Viacom and Tumblr, YourNewSticker.com, RT: 4/19/2014

[15] “Yahoo’s Tumblr First TV Ad Deal Is with Viacom”, Variety, 3/20/2014, RT: 4/19/2014

[16] Wolf of Wall Street Poster, UBCFilmSociety.com, RT: 4/19/2014

[17] Wolf of Wall Street Awards, IMDB.com, RT: 4/19/2014

[18] “‘Wolf of Wall Street’ Poised for No. 1 at Christmas Box Office with $10 Million”, Variety, 12/25/13, RT: 4/19/14

[19] Box Office Results, BoxOfficeMojo.com, RT: 4/19/2014

[20] Noah Poster, MovieFanatic.com, RT: 4/19/2014

[21] Box Office Results, BoxOfficeMojo.com, RT: 4/19/14

[22] “‘Noah’ sails to estimated $44-Million Opening at Box Office”, Los Angeles Times, 3/30/2014, RT: 4/19/14

[23] “North America: ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ Sets New April Record with $96.2M”, BoxOffice.com, 4/6/14, RT: 4/19/14

[24] “‘Heaven is for Real’ Posts Strong Opening Day Returns”, BoxOffice.com, 4/17/14, RT: 4/19/2014

[25] Kids Choice Sports Picture, TVByTheNumbers.zap2it.com, RT: 4/20/14

[26] “Nick Launching Sports Award Show”, BigStory.ap.org, 3/13/214, RT: 4/20/14

[27] Allen Funt, rtvfmediastudies.tcu.edu, RT: 4/20/14

[28] Candid Camera: TV Land Reviving Classic Series for Summer”, TVSeriesFinale.com, 4/9/14, RT: 4/20/14

[29] Transformers Cast and Crew, IMDB.com, RT: 4/20/14

[30] “‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ to Kick Start New Trilogy”, Variety, 4/11/14, RT: 4/20/14

[31] Transformers: Age of Extinction Trailer, Youtube, 3/5/2014, RT: 4/20/2014

[32] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cast and Crew, IMDB.com, RT: 4/20/14

[33] “Paramount Kicks Off CinemaCon With ‘Ninja Turtles,’ ‘Transformers’ Footage”, Variety, 3/24/14, RT: 4/20/14

[34] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Trailer, Youtube, 3/27/2014, RT: 4/20/2014

Viacom

By Sam Cohen

[17]

Courtesy of Wikimedia [17]

Key Executives

Courtesy of Forbes.com

Courtesy of Forbes.com [18]

Sumner M Redstone – Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and Founder

Courtesy of allthingsd.com

Courtesy of allthingsd.com [19]

Philippe Dauman – President and CEO

Courtesy of Viacom.com

Courtesy of Viacom.com [20]

Thomas Dooley – COO

The current incarnation of Viacom was founded in 2005 after the company split from CBS Corporation and took certain media properties with it. Viacom — short for Video & Audio Communications — is owned by National Amusements Inc., which also owns CBS Corporation. [1]

Viacom owns a number of media outlets, including Paramount Pictures, MTV Networks, Comedy Central, BET Networks, Nickelodeon Networks, Spike TV, CMT and VH1, as well as music production and online divisions. However, this profile focuses on the television holdings of the company.

Viacom's headquarters in New York are at 1515 Broadway Courtesy of worldpropertychannel.com

Viacom’s headquarters in New York are at 1515 Broadway.
Courtesy of worldpropertychannel.com [21]

In 2013 Viacom has had a very successful third quarter, reporting $3.65 billion in revenue, up 9% from the third quarter last year. Net earnings for the third quarter were $806 million up 25% over the same period last year. Viacom’s total adjusted net earnings for 2013 were $2.32 billion, up 2% from the previous year. Viacom Media Networks, which accounted for $2.46 billion of that revenue, up 7% from the previous year’s third quarter, also accounted for revenue of $9.66 million in all of 2013, up 5% from last year [2]. For full 3rd quarter financials click here

This semester Viacom has been maintaining strong ratings for its established shows with returning seasons and relying on healthy ratings for event specials and award shows that have been held throughout the past few months and those that are scheduled in the coming months. These specials span the networks owned by Viacom and have battled both cable and broadcast shows for the top spot in the 18-to-49 demographic during their time slots. Viacom has also managed to effectively use social media to get more press for their specials and shows.

Miley Cyrus' controversial performance at the VMAs Courtesy of http://ibnlive.in.com

Miley Cyrus’ controversial performance at the VMAs.
Courtesy of ibnlive.in.com [22]

The first of these major events was the MTV Music Awards, which became national news because of the controversial performance by Miley Cyrus. The show was watched by nearly 10.1 million people and had the second highest viewership of any show on cable that week, losing only to A&E’s Duck Dynasty by 40,000 views [3]. The award show also topped most shows that week in the broadcast world for number of people who watched live or same day. The only show that beat out the Music Awards was Under the Dome, which aired that week on CBS [4]. The event was also a social media sensation, creating 120 national and worldwide trending topics on Twitter and 1.2 million like on Instagram [5]. The MTV Music Awards also broke a Twitter record: During Miley’s controversial performance 306 thousand tweets were tweeted per minute [5]. The show also garnered the ire of the Parents Television Council and was talked about across the news sphere for several days. in case you didn’t catch the performance you can see it here

Comedy Central has also done quite well this fall with strong showings from a number of returning shows as well as one new show, @midnight. Network ratings were up 10% across the board with Tosh.0 leading the way as the #1 cable program with males 18-to-24 [6]. That show was also the third most watched cable program on the night of its fall premier with two million viewers. [7]

The return of John Stewart to The Daily Show saw the show continue its dominance over late night in the cable world with The Colbert Report also coming in strong [8]. Key & Peele also have had a strong year, making number 1 in its time slot among men 18-to-24 and having 49% growth in audience from last season. [6]

@Midnight has been a successful addition to Comedy Central's late night line up Courtesy of laughingsquid.com

@Midnight with host Chris Hardwick has been a successful addition to Comedy Central’s late night line up.
Courtesy of laughingsquid.com [23]

South Park began its 17th season with stellar ratings. The season premier was the top show on cable among adults 18-to-49 and was the top show on TV among men 18-to-34 and men 18-to-24 [9]. Finally the network debut a new show @midnight to follow The Colbert Report. The show, which, Comedy Central had hoped would piggyback off of The Colbert Report, did more than that even beating Colbert in certain demographics. [10]

SpongeBob SquarePants has been the most watched kids show this quarter Courtesy of tvbythenumbers.com [14]

SpongeBob SquarePants has been the most watched kids show this fall.
Courtesy of tvbythenumbers.com [14]

Another Viacom media property that has had a good fall is Nickelodeon. The station consistently led the total day viewership among cable networks including, for example the three consecutive weeks ending November 3 [11], November 10 [12] and November 17 [13]. Nickelodeon has also dominated cable networks among the 2-to-11 demographic. The network has been top in the kids demographic for six straight weeks [14]. SpongeBob SquarePants has helped propel Nickelodeon to such heights as the number one program with kids 2-to-11 [14]. Nickelodeon has also had nine straight months of year-over-year ratings gains.

Nick Cannon Hosted the 2013 HALO Awards courtesy of theholleywoodreporter.com [24]

Nick Cannon Hosted the 2013 HALO Awards.
Courtesy of theholleywoodreporter.com [24]

Nickelodeon also had a special this weekend on Nick at Night: the TeenNick HALO Awards, which honored four teens for their community service and featured a number of celebrity guests. The show used social media to engage and connect with viewers by encouraging live tweeting and posts to Instagram with the hashtag #HALOawards [15]. Nickelodeon hoped that this interactive experience would change the way that award shows would take place in the future.

Another big upcoming event takes place on Viacom’s Country Music Television. CMT has done well this fall with music video ratings up from last year [6], but they’re hoping for a big boost from the upcoming CMT Artists of the Year special scheduled for primetime December 3. For more information on the event click here. CMT hopes to garner some solid ratings among certain psychographic groups especially the believer and maker psychographics.

Michelle Obama was a guest on a special 90 minute 106 and Park Courtesy of Newsone.com

Michelle Obama was a special guest on a 60 minute episode of 106 and Park
Courtesy of Newsone.com

The final Viacom network that just received a big boost is BET, which had two major events: one on Tuesday, November 19 and the other on December 1. On then 19th The First Lady of the United States appeared on 106 & Park, which has been the top music variety show on cable for the past 15 quarters [16]. Ratings for the special were not yet available as of noon on November 20th. On the 1st The Soul Train Awards hopes to duplicate the success seen by The BET Awards earlier this year.

Viacom has used its many networks to ensure that profits will continue to increase through the 4th quarter of 2013 and into 2014. The company’s strategy of getting strong showings from returning programs and excellent ratings on its large specials is working. The channels of the Viacom Media Networks clearly reach the demographics they are targeting and make Viacom one of the leaders in cable television programming.

Sources

[1] Viacom Wikipedia RET: 11/20/13

[2] Viacom 3rd Quarter Financial Report RET: 11/20/13

[3] Cable Ratings for the Week Ending August 25th RET: 11/20/13

[4] Broadcast Ratings for the Week Ending August 25th RET: 11/20/13


[5] Huffington Post – MTV VMA Ratings Rise For 2013 Thanks To *NSYNC Reunion, Robin Thicke And Miley Cyrus Performance RET: 11/20/13

[6] Viacom 4th Quarter ’13 Pulse Newsletter RET: 11/20/13

[7] Daily Cable Ratings Tuesday September 24th RET: 11/20/13

[8] Late Night Ratings RET: 11/20/13

[9] TV by the Numbers – South Park Season 17 Premier RET:11/20/13

[10] Deadline Hollywood – @Midnight’ Opens Well With Comedy Central’s Target Young Guy Crowd RET: 11/20/13

[11] Cable TV Network Weekly Ratings for Week Ending November 3rd RET: 11/20/13


[12] Cable TV Network Weekly Ratings for Week Ending November 10th RET: 11/20/13

[13] Cable TV Network Weekly Ratings for Week Ending November 17th RET: 11/20/13

[14] TV by the Numbers – Nickelodeon Tops Cable RET: 11/20/13

[15] TV by the Numbers – HALO awards RET: 11/20/13

[16] BET Press Releases – First Lady Visits 106 & Park RET: 11/20/13

[17] Wikimedia – Viacom Logo image RET: 11/20/13

[18] Forbes – Sumner M Redstone RET: 11/20/13

[19] Allthingsd – Philippe Dauman RET:11/20/13

[20] Viacom – Senior Management RET: 11/20/13

[21] World Property Channel – Viacom Renews New York HQ Lease RET: 11/20/13

[22] Ibnlive.com – Is Miley Cyrus the Only Celebrity to Popularise Twerking? RET:11/20/13

[23] Laughing Squid – @midnight, A New Late Night TV Show Hosted by Nerdist’s Chris Hardwick RET: 11/20/13

[24] Hollywood Reporter – Nick Cannon Announces Monthly Youth Honor at 5th Annual TeenNick HALO Awards RET: 11/20/13

[25] News One – First Lady Michelle Obama Discusses Education On BET’s 106 & Park RET: 11/20/13

Viacom Inc.

Viacom logo

[1]

by Nicole Mezaros

Viacom Inc.
1515 Broadway
New York, New York 10036
(212) 258-6000
www.viacom.com
@Viacom

viacom people png

Sumner M. Redstone, Philippe Dauman, Thomas E. Dooley, Robert Bakish, and Brad Grey [2],[3],[4],[5],[6]

Top Executives

Sumner M. Redstone: Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2006. He also serves as the Executive Chairman of CBS [7].

Philippe Dauman: President and CEO since 2006 [8].

Thomas E. Dooley: Chief Operating Officer since 2010. He previously served as the CFO [8].

Robert Bakish: President and CEO of International Media Networks since 2011. He oversees all media networks outside of the United States [8].

Brad Grey: CEO of Paramount Pictures since 2005. Grey oversees the entire branch of Paramount Pictures [8].

A Brief History

In 1971, Viacom was formed by breaking off from CBS; it then merged with Warner Communications in 1983 [9]. It bought MTV in 1986, and then merged with Paramount Communications in a nearly $10 billion agreement [9]. The VIA stock became available to be bought and sold in the NYSE in 1999 [9]. CBS, the company it came from, and Viacom merged in a nearly $40 billion merger in 2000 [9]. In the next few years, it purchased BET, Noggin, Comedy Central, TNN, and more [9]. CBS and Viacom then split again in 2006 [25]. Also in 2006, Paramount acquired Dreamworks LLC, and MTV then partnered with Warner Music group [9]. Most recently, in 2011, Viacom International Media Networks was created [9].

General Overview

Viacom has many diverse assets, and therefore produces a lot of varied programming in different markets. It owns 205 television channels, spanning over 169 territories and in nearly 40 different languages [10]. It also owns Paramount Pictures, a big player in the film industry, and has released films of all types, such as The Adventures of Tintin and Paranormal Activity, that reach varied demographics.

Viacom's TV Ownings

Viacom’s TV Assets [11]

In the cable television market, Viacom has many different assets. These networks are very different and, again, reach many different audiences. Some of their major assets include MTV and Nickelodeon, which reach a younger audience, Comedy Central, Spike, and BET, which reach an adult audience, and TV Land, which reaches an older audience. Each network plays very different programming. VH1 and MTV play both shows about popular music and reality shows, with series such as Buckwild on MTV and Top 20 Video Countdown on VH1. Comedies of all different types are played on Comedy Central, such as The Colbert Report, and TV Land offers a lot of reruns of old shows and some original programming. Networks such as CMT (Country Music Television) and BET (Black Entertainment Television) also reach very specific demographics. Nickelodeon is the #1 cable network for seventeen years, showing the success of their networks [12].

Spongebob Squarepants, airing on Nickelodeon.

Spongebob Squarepants, airing on Nickelodeon. [13]

Viacom has a lot of competitors, some of which include NBCUniversal, Time Warner, and Walt Disney [14]. Still, it is a leader in the cable television market .

Financials

During the first quarter of 2013, Viacom had a revenue of $3.314 billion, which includes $2.394 billion from media networks and $975 million from films [15]. This number is down 16% from last year’s first quarter [15]. However, media networks hardly decreased, down only 2%; this decrease is mainly due to filmed entertainment, which is down nearly 40% [15]. MTV is the network with the highest revenue, at around $548 million, with Nickelodeon following at around $357 million [10]. 

Viacom Inc. (VIAB) Interactive Chart Analysis - NASDAQ jpg

Viacom Inc. Stock 1 Year Chart [16]

The Viacom stock, sold as VIAB on NASDAQ, is currently priced at $65.49, hitting a high [16]. This is nearly $20 higher than CBS, around $7 higher than the Walt Disney Company, and nearly $25 higher than Comcast, all of which are Viacom’s competitors [17]. The VIAB stock increased greatly this year, raising from $46.75 a year ago to $65.49 today [16]. Viacom also sells class A stock, VIA, at $66; with this, stockholders have voting rights.

Recent News

Viacom has been in the news recently due to two major cases. First of all, Cablevision, a big cable TV service provider, is suing Viacom for bundling its channels and charging more for single channels [18]. This has, however, been its practice for a very long time. Also, last year, the case starting in 2007, in which Viacom sued Youtube, the popular website where users can upload their own videos, saying that some of its content infringed on Viacom”s copyright, was revived [19]. This case is still going on today.

Viacom also, however, has had a lot of positive things going on recently. VH1’s ratings in adult viewership raised 33% in 2012 [20]. It also has a lot of new shows airing this season, including Best Week Ever and The Jenny McCarthy Show, and new episodes of older shows, such as the very successful Mob Wives.

NEW SHOWS + NEW LOOK + @VH1 #plussed (:30)

Also, the 26th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards, airing on March 23rd, drew an audience of nearly 6 million viewers with just the premiere, boosting Nickelodeon’s ratings greatly [21]. The 2013 MTV Movie Awards are set to air April 13th, which should also boost MTV’s ratings.

2013 Movie Awards: VOTE NOW FOR MOVIE OF THE YEAR!

Digitally, Viacom is working on a lot of new technology in order to better the viewer experience. The new Star Trek into Darkness app allowed app users to get tickets to an early showing of the film [22]. Also, Spike TV, a cable channel, has created a new app for using while viewing Bellator MMA, a mixed martial arts fighting tournament. The app allows veiwers to interact with the show in a way not used with other second screen apps, using results from judging on the app in the live show [23].

Bellator MMA App by Spike TV

Bellator MMA App by Spike TV [24]

1. Viacom Logo, from Viacom, Inc.

2. Sumner M. Redstone

3. Philippe Dauman

4. Thomas E. Dooley

5. Robert Bakish

6. Brad Grey

7. Board of Directors

8. Senior Management

9. Viacom: History

10. 1st Quarter ’13 Pulse Investor Newsletter

11. Viacom’s TV Assets

12. Nickelodeon

13.  Nickelodeon Wins First Quarter of 2013

14. Viacom Inc. Competitors

15. 1st Quarter ’13 Earnings Press Release

16. Viacom Inc. Interactive Stock Chart

17. Yahoo Finance

18. Cablevision Sues Viacom in Battle Over Bundling of Channels

19. Judge revives Viacom copyright suit against YouTube

20. Viacom Primetime Ratings Soar 33%

21. Nickelodeon Marks Winning Week with 26th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards

22. “STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS” First of Its Kind App

23. Spike TV Launches Groundbreaking Co-Viewing App For Bellator MMA

24. Bellator MMA by Spike TV

25. CBS, Viacom Formally Split

Paramount Pictures

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).

Founding Fathers of Paramount

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 VardalosLeftovers, 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.  ScreenRanthttp://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