The film business has had to battle its way through everything from Covid shutdowns to strike-induced box office delays to steep competition from a tidal wave of high-priced streaming content over the past seven years.
The contraction in theatrical releases and the post-pandemic downturn at the box office has raised the stakes for every film release, from blockbusters to arty fare — so said a group of top theatrical marketing executives who spoke April 24 during a roundtable panel at Variety’s annual Entertainment Marketing Summit, presented by Deloitte.
“If you’re not an event movie for someone, you’re a movie for no one,” said Josh Goldstine, president of worldwide marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures Group, during the daylong, Sro event at the Beverly Hilton.
Goldstine noted the ante for theatrical films has been raised by “an extra $100 billion worth of streaming content that has entered the marketplace” since about 2017. Dwight Caines,...
The contraction in theatrical releases and the post-pandemic downturn at the box office has raised the stakes for every film release, from blockbusters to arty fare — so said a group of top theatrical marketing executives who spoke April 24 during a roundtable panel at Variety’s annual Entertainment Marketing Summit, presented by Deloitte.
“If you’re not an event movie for someone, you’re a movie for no one,” said Josh Goldstine, president of worldwide marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures Group, during the daylong, Sro event at the Beverly Hilton.
Goldstine noted the ante for theatrical films has been raised by “an extra $100 billion worth of streaming content that has entered the marketplace” since about 2017. Dwight Caines,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Pictures and Neal H. Moritz’s Original Film banner have renewed their first look production deal for another three years.
The new deal extends the studio’s relationship with Moritz through 2027. The partnership was last extended in 2020 after Moritz and his production banner left their longtime deal with Sony Pictures.
“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Neal, who is renowned across the industry for building enduring and audience-beloved franchises. We can’t wait to continue partnering on our top-tier animated and live-action projects together,” Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures, said in a statement.
Under the new deal, Paramount and Miramax will have Moritz produce a new installment in the Scary Movie franchise. The film is being made as part of the studio’s first look partnership with Miramax under CEO Jonathan Glickman, with Paramount Pictures distributing.
“I’m thrilled to be extending my partnership with Paramount.
The new deal extends the studio’s relationship with Moritz through 2027. The partnership was last extended in 2020 after Moritz and his production banner left their longtime deal with Sony Pictures.
“We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Neal, who is renowned across the industry for building enduring and audience-beloved franchises. We can’t wait to continue partnering on our top-tier animated and live-action projects together,” Brian Robbins, president and CEO of Paramount Pictures, said in a statement.
Under the new deal, Paramount and Miramax will have Moritz produce a new installment in the Scary Movie franchise. The film is being made as part of the studio’s first look partnership with Miramax under CEO Jonathan Glickman, with Paramount Pictures distributing.
“I’m thrilled to be extending my partnership with Paramount.
- 4/11/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
At their CinemaCon presentation this Am, Paramount Pictures today announced a three-year extension of its first-look deal with producer Neal H. Moritz and his Original Film banner.
The new agreement goes through 2027.
Under the deal, Paramount and Miramax announced today that the Sonic the Hedgehog producer will shepherd a new installment in the Scary Movie franchise. The film is being made as part of the studio’s first look partnership with Miramax under the leadership of newly appointed CEO Jonathan Glickman, with Paramount Pictures distributing. Scary Movie is rolling cameras this year for release in 2025.
Brian Robbins, President and CEO of Paramount Pictures, said, “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Neal, who is renowned across the industry for building enduring and audience-beloved franchises. We can’t wait to continue partnering on our top-tier animated and live-action projects together.”
Moritz commented, “I’m thrilled to be extending my partnership with Paramount.
The new agreement goes through 2027.
Under the deal, Paramount and Miramax announced today that the Sonic the Hedgehog producer will shepherd a new installment in the Scary Movie franchise. The film is being made as part of the studio’s first look partnership with Miramax under the leadership of newly appointed CEO Jonathan Glickman, with Paramount Pictures distributing. Scary Movie is rolling cameras this year for release in 2025.
Brian Robbins, President and CEO of Paramount Pictures, said, “We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Neal, who is renowned across the industry for building enduring and audience-beloved franchises. We can’t wait to continue partnering on our top-tier animated and live-action projects together.”
Moritz commented, “I’m thrilled to be extending my partnership with Paramount.
- 4/11/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
We have recently reported that legendary Oscar-winning filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola is back after more than a decade of being absent from the scene. The project in question was Megalopolis, a sci-fi epic that was conceived way back in 1979, while Coppola was filming Apocalypse Now, one of the greatest war movies ever made. Now, 45 years later, Coppola has finally made the movie and on March 28, 10 a.m., at the Universal CityWalk Imax theater, the first screening of the movie was given, as Coppola is looking for a studio to distribute his major work.
At the time, we reported that the movie’s runtime was 2 hours and 13 minutes, and that is without the credits. But, while the movie seemed to be good, the studios aren’t really fighting to acquire the (as reported) $120-million project, which was more or less self-funded by Coppola.
As we have reported, Megalopolis is set in...
At the time, we reported that the movie’s runtime was 2 hours and 13 minutes, and that is without the credits. But, while the movie seemed to be good, the studios aren’t really fighting to acquire the (as reported) $120-million project, which was more or less self-funded by Coppola.
As we have reported, Megalopolis is set in...
- 4/9/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
NBCUniversal chief content officer Donna Langley was there. So was Sony head Tom Rothman. Bob Iger was one of the few Hollywood heavyweights who couldn’t make it, but at least he had a good excuse, still in the midst of a vicious proxy battle with investor Nelson Peltz.
The event: The grand unveiling of Megalopolis, the self-funded epic from legendary The Godfather trilogy director Francis Ford Coppola, to the titans of the film industry. The March 28 screening — held 10 a.m. at the Universal CityWalk Imax theater — was also attended by such Coppola-verse luminaries as nephew Nicolas Cage, The Godfather series star Al Pacino and Spike Jonze, Coppola’s ex-son-in-law. Two of the film’s stars — Shia Labeouf and Coppola’s sister, Talia Shire — were also on hand.
The project, which Coppola first began writing in 1983, cost a reported $120 million to make — funded in part by the sale of a...
The event: The grand unveiling of Megalopolis, the self-funded epic from legendary The Godfather trilogy director Francis Ford Coppola, to the titans of the film industry. The March 28 screening — held 10 a.m. at the Universal CityWalk Imax theater — was also attended by such Coppola-verse luminaries as nephew Nicolas Cage, The Godfather series star Al Pacino and Spike Jonze, Coppola’s ex-son-in-law. Two of the film’s stars — Shia Labeouf and Coppola’s sister, Talia Shire — were also on hand.
The project, which Coppola first began writing in 1983, cost a reported $120 million to make — funded in part by the sale of a...
- 4/8/2024
- by Seth Abramovitch, Kim Masters and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After the March 28 friends, family, and industry screening for Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” at Universal’s CityWalk AMC in IMAX, reactions were wild. Some said it was his most ambitious film since “Apocalypse Now;” another described it to Puck as “batshit crazy.” Made for $120 million and bankrolled entirely by Coppola through the sale of one of his vineyards, it incorporates new VFX techniques — ones, the filmmakers hope, will be seen on the biggest screens possible.
For that to happen, it will need a major theatrical deal and the filmmakers are now in talks with distributors and major studios. However, those entities have been particularly risk averse these days — and while Coppola is a legend, he hasn’t made a commercial success in three decades.
The film’s stars include Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, and Giancarlo Esposito; maybe, say, Paramount or Universal want to be back in the Coppola business.
For that to happen, it will need a major theatrical deal and the filmmakers are now in talks with distributors and major studios. However, those entities have been particularly risk averse these days — and while Coppola is a legend, he hasn’t made a commercial success in three decades.
The film’s stars include Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, and Giancarlo Esposito; maybe, say, Paramount or Universal want to be back in the Coppola business.
- 4/2/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Paramount received the best Valentine’s Day gift any studio could hope for when Bob Marley: One Love, the biopic about the legendary Jamaican musician, set a new midweek record for the holiday when jamming to $14 million and besting the $11.5 million grossed by The Vow in 2012.
But Valentine’s Day turned out to be only a warm-up act as the film transformed into an all-audience box office sensation in another win for the music biopic boom sweeping Hollywood. Iconic music artists — of which there is no shortage — are providing studios with much-needed IP as tried and true genres, namely superhero movies, lose their singing powers. Barely a week goes by without a new major studio project being announced, including this week’s news that Sony and Sam Mendes are embarking on an ambitious magical mystery tour that will see each of the four Beatles get their own feature film, all...
But Valentine’s Day turned out to be only a warm-up act as the film transformed into an all-audience box office sensation in another win for the music biopic boom sweeping Hollywood. Iconic music artists — of which there is no shortage — are providing studios with much-needed IP as tried and true genres, namely superhero movies, lose their singing powers. Barely a week goes by without a new major studio project being announced, including this week’s news that Sony and Sam Mendes are embarking on an ambitious magical mystery tour that will see each of the four Beatles get their own feature film, all...
- 2/21/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount’s “Mean Girls” musical made fetch happen after surpassing $100 million at the global box office.
The oh-so pink movie musical has generated $101.2 million worldwide after six weeks of release, including $71.2 million in North America and $30 million from 31 international territories.
Based on the Broadway adaptation of the 2004 comedy classic, “Mean Girls” was originally commissioned with plans to make a streaming debut directly on Paramount+, but executives opted for a theatrical release after enthusiastic test screenings. The musical film cost just $36 million.
“Mean Girls” held the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office for three consecutive weeks after its release on Jan. 12, as well as earned No. 1 openings in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. The film expanded to Thailand on Feb. 15 and will open in Singapore and India later this month.
The new “Mean Girls” stars Angourie Rice as Cady Heron, a role originated by Lindsay Lohan, who...
The oh-so pink movie musical has generated $101.2 million worldwide after six weeks of release, including $71.2 million in North America and $30 million from 31 international territories.
Based on the Broadway adaptation of the 2004 comedy classic, “Mean Girls” was originally commissioned with plans to make a streaming debut directly on Paramount+, but executives opted for a theatrical release after enthusiastic test screenings. The musical film cost just $36 million.
“Mean Girls” held the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office for three consecutive weeks after its release on Jan. 12, as well as earned No. 1 openings in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. The film expanded to Thailand on Feb. 15 and will open in Singapore and India later this month.
The new “Mean Girls” stars Angourie Rice as Cady Heron, a role originated by Lindsay Lohan, who...
- 2/17/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
The new Mean Girls film is a hit at the US box office – but the marketing has not been going out of its way to reveal the movie is a musical.
Last week in the US and this coming weekend in the UK it’s the turn of the new Mean Girls film to try and draw people into cinemas. In the US as well, it’s certainly worked: a $28m opening weekend is a good return, and Paramount will be rather chuffed with that.
Not least because its marketing campaign has clearly paid dividends here. As we’ve discussed on this very site before, it selected the folder marked ‘market a musical, but don’t tell anyone it’s a musical’. The new Mean Girls is, after all, an adaptation of the stage musical, which in turn is based on the wonderful 2004 film.
Marc Weinstock is the global marketing boss at Paramount,...
Last week in the US and this coming weekend in the UK it’s the turn of the new Mean Girls film to try and draw people into cinemas. In the US as well, it’s certainly worked: a $28m opening weekend is a good return, and Paramount will be rather chuffed with that.
Not least because its marketing campaign has clearly paid dividends here. As we’ve discussed on this very site before, it selected the folder marked ‘market a musical, but don’t tell anyone it’s a musical’. The new Mean Girls is, after all, an adaptation of the stage musical, which in turn is based on the wonderful 2004 film.
Marc Weinstock is the global marketing boss at Paramount,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
Paramount’s “Mean Girls” musical earned a grool $33.2 million from 3,791 theaters over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, beating expectations.
Based on the Broadway adaptation of the 2004 comedy classic, “Mean Girls” was originally commissioned with plans to skip theaters and make a streaming debut directly on Paramount+, but executives opted for a theatrical release after test screenings. The musical film cost just $36 million.
The new “Mean Girls” stars Angourie Rice as Cady Heron, a role originated by Lindsay Lohan, who must navigate the social scene of her new high school ruled by the Plastics. Reneé Rapp reprises her Broadway role as queen bee Regina George, with a cast that also includes Bebe Wood, Avantika, Jaquel Spivey, Auli’i Cravalho and original stars Tim Meadows and producer-writer Tina Fey.
Paramount intentionally downplayed the song-and-dance numbers in promotional materials for the movie musical, which earned a “B” grade through research firm Cinema Score.
Based on the Broadway adaptation of the 2004 comedy classic, “Mean Girls” was originally commissioned with plans to skip theaters and make a streaming debut directly on Paramount+, but executives opted for a theatrical release after test screenings. The musical film cost just $36 million.
The new “Mean Girls” stars Angourie Rice as Cady Heron, a role originated by Lindsay Lohan, who must navigate the social scene of her new high school ruled by the Plastics. Reneé Rapp reprises her Broadway role as queen bee Regina George, with a cast that also includes Bebe Wood, Avantika, Jaquel Spivey, Auli’i Cravalho and original stars Tim Meadows and producer-writer Tina Fey.
Paramount intentionally downplayed the song-and-dance numbers in promotional materials for the movie musical, which earned a “B” grade through research firm Cinema Score.
- 1/15/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
You’d be forgiven if you thought butter was a carb, just like it’s totally understandable if you didn’t know the new “Mean Girls” is a musical.
Paramount, which released the movie over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, chose not to explicitly market it as a song-and-dance spectacle, according to the studio’s president of global marketing and distribution Marc Weinstock.
“To start off saying musical, musical, musical, you have the potential to turn off audiences,” he says. “I want everyone to be equally excited.”
The PG-13 film triumphed in its box office debut with $33 million over the four-day weekend. But despite the cultural prominence of Tina Fey’s 2004 comedy, which propelled Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried to stardom, Weinstock’s job – selling the masses on (and clearing up any confusion about) “Mean Girls” – was trickier than trying to make fetch happen.
The story is the same,...
Paramount, which released the movie over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, chose not to explicitly market it as a song-and-dance spectacle, according to the studio’s president of global marketing and distribution Marc Weinstock.
“To start off saying musical, musical, musical, you have the potential to turn off audiences,” he says. “I want everyone to be equally excited.”
The PG-13 film triumphed in its box office debut with $33 million over the four-day weekend. But despite the cultural prominence of Tina Fey’s 2004 comedy, which propelled Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried to stardom, Weinstock’s job – selling the masses on (and clearing up any confusion about) “Mean Girls” – was trickier than trying to make fetch happen.
The story is the same,...
- 1/15/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The masterminds behind memorable marketing moments from “Barbie,” “Call of Duty,” “Pokerface” and even that creepy “Smile” campaign that placed grinning actors at various Major League Baseball games gathered Thursday at the Variety + Spotify Advertising’s Visionaries dinner to toast leaders in the field.
West Hollywoods’ Sunset Tower Hotel welcomed the industry’s leading innovators selected for Variety’s 2023 Digital Marketing Impact Report and the four recipients of the Variety Entertainment Marketing Visionaries Award, presented by Spotify. This year the honored executives included Johanna Faries, SVP and Gm of “Call of Duty” at Activision Blizzard; Josh Goldstine, president of worldwide marketing at Warner Bros. Pictures Group; Marc Weinstock, president of worldwide marketing and distribution at Paramount Pictures; and Shannon Willett, chief marketing officer at Peacock.
On the carpet the honorees were quizzed on their proudest moment of the past year. “Opening the doors of ‘The Continental’ hotel in New York...
West Hollywoods’ Sunset Tower Hotel welcomed the industry’s leading innovators selected for Variety’s 2023 Digital Marketing Impact Report and the four recipients of the Variety Entertainment Marketing Visionaries Award, presented by Spotify. This year the honored executives included Johanna Faries, SVP and Gm of “Call of Duty” at Activision Blizzard; Josh Goldstine, president of worldwide marketing at Warner Bros. Pictures Group; Marc Weinstock, president of worldwide marketing and distribution at Paramount Pictures; and Shannon Willett, chief marketing officer at Peacock.
On the carpet the honorees were quizzed on their proudest moment of the past year. “Opening the doors of ‘The Continental’ hotel in New York...
- 10/27/2023
- by Meredith Woerner
- Variety Film + TV
A familiar face is back on the Croisette. Well, kind of…
Tom Cruise may not be attending this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where “Top Gun: Maverick” premiered in 2022 to massive fanfare, but the star’s presence is enduring in the South of France. For festival attendees, it’s impossible to miss the giant LED screen outside the famed Carlton Hotel, where a trailer of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1” has been playing on loop all week. It’s designed to hype up movie lovers for the seventh installment in the globe-trotting franchise, which has no affiliation with Cannes, but debuts theatrically in July.
“We’ve had this location for years because it’s at the heart of the festival action,” says Marc Weinstock, Paramount’s president of worldwide marketing and distribution. “Cannes is a renowned festival with global reach, which is why we chose to screen ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ there.
Tom Cruise may not be attending this year’s Cannes Film Festival, where “Top Gun: Maverick” premiered in 2022 to massive fanfare, but the star’s presence is enduring in the South of France. For festival attendees, it’s impossible to miss the giant LED screen outside the famed Carlton Hotel, where a trailer of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1” has been playing on loop all week. It’s designed to hype up movie lovers for the seventh installment in the globe-trotting franchise, which has no affiliation with Cannes, but debuts theatrically in July.
“We’ve had this location for years because it’s at the heart of the festival action,” says Marc Weinstock, Paramount’s president of worldwide marketing and distribution. “Cannes is a renowned festival with global reach, which is why we chose to screen ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ there.
- 5/20/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
“Who are we going to trick into making our bats–t movie?”
That’s the question Adele Lim said she faced as she and her partners puzzled over how to get their travel comedy “Joy Ride” made. The answer, the “Crazy Rich Asians” writer said at the movie’s SXSW premiere, where her film got a warm reception, turned out to be Lionsgate. “Joy Ride” — which follows a young Asian woman who travels to China with her friends on a business trip — became a highlight at Lionsgate’s CinemaCon presentation in April.
After years of seeming to fear the funny, Hollywood studios like Lionsgate are making a concerted effort to bring live-action comedies back to theaters. The problem is that comedy now pervades theatrical genres. Superhero movies, romantic stories and horror movies all seem to require a wink and a nudge these days. With so many ways to get a chuckle,...
That’s the question Adele Lim said she faced as she and her partners puzzled over how to get their travel comedy “Joy Ride” made. The answer, the “Crazy Rich Asians” writer said at the movie’s SXSW premiere, where her film got a warm reception, turned out to be Lionsgate. “Joy Ride” — which follows a young Asian woman who travels to China with her friends on a business trip — became a highlight at Lionsgate’s CinemaCon presentation in April.
After years of seeming to fear the funny, Hollywood studios like Lionsgate are making a concerted effort to bring live-action comedies back to theaters. The problem is that comedy now pervades theatrical genres. Superhero movies, romantic stories and horror movies all seem to require a wink and a nudge these days. With so many ways to get a chuckle,...
- 5/12/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
David Ellison’s Skydance has secured a 400 million investment to expand its operations, particularly its animation, sports and interactive ambitions, pushing the company’s valuation above 4 billion.
The investment came from investment firm Kkr and was joined by the Ellison Family (who remain the company’s majority shareholders), as well as other existing backers supporting the “Top Gun: Maverick” studio. Existing investors RedBird Capital Partners and Tencent also participated in the fundraising.
“The investment from Kkr creates a powerful strategic partnership with a firm at the forefront of the evolution of technology and interactive entertainment, all of which are key propellers in the next phase of Skydance’s growth,” CEO David Ellison said in a statement. “Having Kkr in our corner as thought partners and engaged collaborators will help us to execute on the many opportunities we see in front of us. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support...
The investment came from investment firm Kkr and was joined by the Ellison Family (who remain the company’s majority shareholders), as well as other existing backers supporting the “Top Gun: Maverick” studio. Existing investors RedBird Capital Partners and Tencent also participated in the fundraising.
“The investment from Kkr creates a powerful strategic partnership with a firm at the forefront of the evolution of technology and interactive entertainment, all of which are key propellers in the next phase of Skydance’s growth,” CEO David Ellison said in a statement. “Having Kkr in our corner as thought partners and engaged collaborators will help us to execute on the many opportunities we see in front of us. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support...
- 10/13/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Universal/Blumhouse’s “Halloween Ends” is expected to earn the biggest opening weekend that the box office has seen in nearly three months, but producing a strong box office run through the rest of October will depend on whether word-of-mouth for this reboot trilogy capper is strong enough to get people to see it in theaters instead of on NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service.
Like its 2021 predecessor “Halloween Kills,” Universal has decided to make “Halloween Ends” a day-and-date release in theaters and streaming with the hopes that hardcore horror buffs who value the big-screen experience will encourage more casual moviegoers to check the film out either in theaters or on Peacock, which has been stalling with just 13 million paid subscribers as of Q2 2022.
“Halloween Kills” opened to 49.4 million last year and finished with a 92 million domestic total, and pre-release projections for “Ends” have it matching that opening mark with a 50 million opening.
Like its 2021 predecessor “Halloween Kills,” Universal has decided to make “Halloween Ends” a day-and-date release in theaters and streaming with the hopes that hardcore horror buffs who value the big-screen experience will encourage more casual moviegoers to check the film out either in theaters or on Peacock, which has been stalling with just 13 million paid subscribers as of Q2 2022.
“Halloween Kills” opened to 49.4 million last year and finished with a 92 million domestic total, and pre-release projections for “Ends” have it matching that opening mark with a 50 million opening.
- 10/12/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
With his studio still enjoying a wildly successful 2022 with the new horror film “Smile,” Paramount marketing president Marc Weinstock joined TheWrap’s annual industry summit TheGrill for a conversation on the film industry and the ongoing push and pull between movie theaters and streaming.
Weinstock was joined by former IMAX Entertainment CEO Greg Foster for a virtual one-on-one discussion that began with a rundown of Paramount’s numerous box office hits this year, including “The Lost City” “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” and the year’s highest grossing film “Top Gun: Maverick.”
While “Maverick” took up much of the discussion, Weinstock noted that “Lost City” and “Sonic 2” were seen as big wins for Paramount not only for helping to bring women and families back to theaters, but also in drawing in new subscribers to Paramount+ when they were released on streaming after the 45-day theatrical exclusivity window.
Weinstock sees that...
Weinstock was joined by former IMAX Entertainment CEO Greg Foster for a virtual one-on-one discussion that began with a rundown of Paramount’s numerous box office hits this year, including “The Lost City” “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” and the year’s highest grossing film “Top Gun: Maverick.”
While “Maverick” took up much of the discussion, Weinstock noted that “Lost City” and “Sonic 2” were seen as big wins for Paramount not only for helping to bring women and families back to theaters, but also in drawing in new subscribers to Paramount+ when they were released on streaming after the 45-day theatrical exclusivity window.
Weinstock sees that...
- 10/11/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
A new horror film from Paramount put a grin on moviegoers’ faces this weekend.
Parker Finn‘s debut feature Smile scared up a strong 22 million from 3,645 theaters to top the weekend chart. The horror pic started off with 8.2 million on theaters on Friday — including 2 million in previews. To boot, it cost just 17 million to make before marketing (it was originally intended for streaming) so will be a major profit generator.
From Paramount Players and Temple Hill, Smile is about a therapist (Sosie Bacon) treating a graduate student (Caitlin Stasey) who recently witnessed a gruesome suicide. Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Robin Weigert and Kal Penn co-star.
Nearly 70 percent of the audience was between ages 18-34. The movie also played to an ethnically diverse audience (40 percent Caucasian, 32 percent Latino, 16 percent Black and 12 percent Asian/Other), according to PostTrak.
Smile is the latest box office win for Paramount,...
A new horror film from Paramount put a grin on moviegoers’ faces this weekend.
Parker Finn‘s debut feature Smile scared up a strong 22 million from 3,645 theaters to top the weekend chart. The horror pic started off with 8.2 million on theaters on Friday — including 2 million in previews. To boot, it cost just 17 million to make before marketing (it was originally intended for streaming) so will be a major profit generator.
From Paramount Players and Temple Hill, Smile is about a therapist (Sosie Bacon) treating a graduate student (Caitlin Stasey) who recently witnessed a gruesome suicide. Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Robin Weigert and Kal Penn co-star.
Nearly 70 percent of the audience was between ages 18-34. The movie also played to an ethnically diverse audience (40 percent Caucasian, 32 percent Latino, 16 percent Black and 12 percent Asian/Other), according to PostTrak.
Smile is the latest box office win for Paramount,...
- 10/2/2022
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Turning a piece of filmed entertainment into a cultural phenomenon is both an art and a science, say marketers.
But in the 2020s, the science has turbocharged the art.
Variety spoke to two marketing gurus who promoted such blockbusters: Pia Chaozon Barlow, executive VP of HBO and HBO Max originals marketing, who aims to recapture the magic of “Game of Thrones” with spinoff “House of the Dragon”; and Marc Weinstock, Paramount’s president of global distribution and marketing. Paramount has opened five features at #1 in 2022, culminating with “Top Gun: Maverick,” which has grossed more than 1.4 billion.
Barlow and Weinstock are careful to note that their campaigns start with great content. But with so much content — all different — competing for viewers’ attention, a campaign can help cut through the clutter, elevating a good watch to a must-see.
Barlow says that begins with taking cues from the fans. “They inform every decision we make as marketers.
But in the 2020s, the science has turbocharged the art.
Variety spoke to two marketing gurus who promoted such blockbusters: Pia Chaozon Barlow, executive VP of HBO and HBO Max originals marketing, who aims to recapture the magic of “Game of Thrones” with spinoff “House of the Dragon”; and Marc Weinstock, Paramount’s president of global distribution and marketing. Paramount has opened five features at #1 in 2022, culminating with “Top Gun: Maverick,” which has grossed more than 1.4 billion.
Barlow and Weinstock are careful to note that their campaigns start with great content. But with so much content — all different — competing for viewers’ attention, a campaign can help cut through the clutter, elevating a good watch to a must-see.
Barlow says that begins with taking cues from the fans. “They inform every decision we make as marketers.
- 9/15/2022
- by David S. Cohen
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount has been on a sizzling run.
All five of its 2022 releases, a crop that includes “Scream,” “Jackass Forever,” “The Lost City” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” opened in first place at the domestic box office, with “Top Gun: Maverick” outpacing them all. The sequel to the beloved Tom Cruise film has scored with critics and audiences alike. “Top Gun: Maverick” has currently grossed a massive 557.2 million globally and shows few signs of slowing down soon.
Brian Robbins, who took over as head of the film studio in September, says its recent track record reaffirms the value of releasing blockbuster movies in theaters before debuting them on streaming or home entertainment. And he argues that the box office performance is partly due to a new approach that has seen the studio become more collaborative with corporate cousins such as CBS, MTV and Nickelodeon.
Why was “Top Gun: Maverick” successful?
I...
All five of its 2022 releases, a crop that includes “Scream,” “Jackass Forever,” “The Lost City” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” opened in first place at the domestic box office, with “Top Gun: Maverick” outpacing them all. The sequel to the beloved Tom Cruise film has scored with critics and audiences alike. “Top Gun: Maverick” has currently grossed a massive 557.2 million globally and shows few signs of slowing down soon.
Brian Robbins, who took over as head of the film studio in September, says its recent track record reaffirms the value of releasing blockbuster movies in theaters before debuting them on streaming or home entertainment. And he argues that the box office performance is partly due to a new approach that has seen the studio become more collaborative with corporate cousins such as CBS, MTV and Nickelodeon.
Why was “Top Gun: Maverick” successful?
I...
- 6/7/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Jerry Bruckheimer has plenty to celebrate over Memorial Day weekend, literally watching the long-awaited sequel to 1986’s Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, beat his previous domestic box office opening record for the holiday previously set by 2007’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
The Paramount/Skydance co-production easily won the record Memorial Day opening at the B.O. with 156M (which included previews), unseating Pirates 3‘s 153M opening.
Outside of any delay created by the pandemic, why the world had to wait 36 years for the further adventures of Tom Cruise’s Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Bruckheimer tells Deadline it all boiled down to Joseph Kosinski’s pitch to the superstar during the production of Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
“This was the time that it was going to happen,” says Bruckheimer about why the sequel arrived now in theaters versus, say one or two decades ago.
“It never really got...
The Paramount/Skydance co-production easily won the record Memorial Day opening at the B.O. with 156M (which included previews), unseating Pirates 3‘s 153M opening.
Outside of any delay created by the pandemic, why the world had to wait 36 years for the further adventures of Tom Cruise’s Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, Bruckheimer tells Deadline it all boiled down to Joseph Kosinski’s pitch to the superstar during the production of Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
“This was the time that it was going to happen,” says Bruckheimer about why the sequel arrived now in theaters versus, say one or two decades ago.
“It never really got...
- 5/30/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Jim Gianopulos is leaving Paramount as Chairman and CEO, Deadline has confirmed. A report in the Wall Street Journal said Brian Robbins, the head of ViacomCBS Inc.’s Nickelodeon kids TV empire, will take over Gianopulos’ position as the head of Paramount Pictures. His appointment is imminent. Robbins, who goes from the star of Head of the Class to head of Paramount, is a bright and progressive executive who will likely lead Paramount to greater emphasis on product for its streaming service.
Gianopulos, 69, took the reigns of Paramount in March 2017 after a long run at Fox where he oversaw 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, Fox 2000, Fox Animation/Blue Sky Studios, Fox International Productions and Fox Home Entertainment. During his time at Fox, he oversaw the release of James Cameron’s multi-Oscar winning Titanic and Avatar which combined made over $5 billion WW. Gianopulos arrived at Paramount after the 11-year tenure of Brad Grey and Rob Moore,...
Gianopulos, 69, took the reigns of Paramount in March 2017 after a long run at Fox where he oversaw 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, Fox 2000, Fox Animation/Blue Sky Studios, Fox International Productions and Fox Home Entertainment. During his time at Fox, he oversaw the release of James Cameron’s multi-Oscar winning Titanic and Avatar which combined made over $5 billion WW. Gianopulos arrived at Paramount after the 11-year tenure of Brad Grey and Rob Moore,...
- 9/10/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
A movie based on Nickelodeon’s wildly popular animated “Paw Patrol” kids series is in the works at Paramount, and the studio has set a release date for the animated film for August 2021, the company behind the series Spin Master Corp. announced Friday.
“Paw Patrol: The Movie” will be a full-length, animated feature as directed by Cal Brunker, and it will be released theatrically in Aug. 2021.
For those of you who don’t have small children at home watching the show obsessively, “Paw Patrol” follows the adventures of a tech-savvy boy named Ryder and his team of crime-fighting puppies – Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Zuma, Rocky and Skye – who are always ready to save the day and keep their home of Adventure Bay safe.
Also Read: Nickelodeon Renews 'Are You Afraid of the Dark?' Reboot for Season 2
Keith Chapman created the show that has been on Nickelodeon since 2013 and is entering...
“Paw Patrol: The Movie” will be a full-length, animated feature as directed by Cal Brunker, and it will be released theatrically in Aug. 2021.
For those of you who don’t have small children at home watching the show obsessively, “Paw Patrol” follows the adventures of a tech-savvy boy named Ryder and his team of crime-fighting puppies – Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Zuma, Rocky and Skye – who are always ready to save the day and keep their home of Adventure Bay safe.
Also Read: Nickelodeon Renews 'Are You Afraid of the Dark?' Reboot for Season 2
Keith Chapman created the show that has been on Nickelodeon since 2013 and is entering...
- 2/21/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Spin Master Corp’s hit animated canine preschool series Paw Patrol is heading to the big screen with a movie directed by Cal Brunker (Nut Job 2: Nutty By Nature; Escape From Planet Earth).
Paw Patrol: The Movie, which is eyeing an August 2021 release, is the first in a number of feature films in the works by Spin Master’s Entertainment division.
Spin will produce the movie in association with Nickelodeon Movies, and Paramount will be distribute. Paw Patrol was recently picked up for its eighth season by Nickelodeon, which broadcasts the show around the world. The show follows a “paw-some pack of pups” —Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, Everest and Tracker—as they embark on rescue missions in their community of Adventure Bay, proving “no job is too big, no pup is too small!”
Spin Master Entertainment’s Evp, Jennifer Dodge, will produce Paw Patrol: The Movie and Ronnen Harary,...
Paw Patrol: The Movie, which is eyeing an August 2021 release, is the first in a number of feature films in the works by Spin Master’s Entertainment division.
Spin will produce the movie in association with Nickelodeon Movies, and Paramount will be distribute. Paw Patrol was recently picked up for its eighth season by Nickelodeon, which broadcasts the show around the world. The show follows a “paw-some pack of pups” —Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, Zuma, Everest and Tracker—as they embark on rescue missions in their community of Adventure Bay, proving “no job is too big, no pup is too small!”
Spin Master Entertainment’s Evp, Jennifer Dodge, will produce Paw Patrol: The Movie and Ronnen Harary,...
- 2/21/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Kyle Davies, who led Paramount’s domestic distribution division since 2016, to depart.
Former Fox head of domestic distribution Chris Aronson has joined Paramount Pictures as president of domestic theatrical distribution, effective December 2.
Kyle Davies, who has headed Paramount’s domestic distribution division since 2016, is departing the studio.
At Fox Aronson oversaw North American distribution of Avatar, the X-Men and Deadpool films, and Bohemian Rhapsody, among others. In his new role he will report to president of worldwide marketing and distribution Marc Weinstock, and co-president of worldwide marketing and distribution, Mary Daily.
Aronson worked with Paramount chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos at Fox,...
Former Fox head of domestic distribution Chris Aronson has joined Paramount Pictures as president of domestic theatrical distribution, effective December 2.
Kyle Davies, who has headed Paramount’s domestic distribution division since 2016, is departing the studio.
At Fox Aronson oversaw North American distribution of Avatar, the X-Men and Deadpool films, and Bohemian Rhapsody, among others. In his new role he will report to president of worldwide marketing and distribution Marc Weinstock, and co-president of worldwide marketing and distribution, Mary Daily.
Aronson worked with Paramount chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos at Fox,...
- 11/18/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Chris Aronson, former distribution head at 20th Century Fox, has been named president of domestic theatrical distribution at Paramount Pictures, the studio announced Monday.
Aronson will report to Marc Weinstock, president of worldwide marketing and distribution, and Mary Daily, co-president of worldwide marketing and distribution.
“In an ever-evolving distribution landscape, Chris has the ideal balance of experience in the arena and strategic acumen, as well as strong filmmaker relationships,” Weinstock and Daily said in a joint statement. “We are thrilled to have him onboard and can’t wait to see where his leadership takes our distribution strategy and team.”
Also Read: Disney Layoffs Claim Top Fox Executives Including Chris Aronson, Andrew Cripps, Pam Levine and More
Aronson, who will start at Paramount on Dec. 2, is taking over for Kyle Davies, who is exiting his role as the head of Paramount’s domestic distribution division, where he has served since 2016.
“Kyle...
Aronson will report to Marc Weinstock, president of worldwide marketing and distribution, and Mary Daily, co-president of worldwide marketing and distribution.
“In an ever-evolving distribution landscape, Chris has the ideal balance of experience in the arena and strategic acumen, as well as strong filmmaker relationships,” Weinstock and Daily said in a joint statement. “We are thrilled to have him onboard and can’t wait to see where his leadership takes our distribution strategy and team.”
Also Read: Disney Layoffs Claim Top Fox Executives Including Chris Aronson, Andrew Cripps, Pam Levine and More
Aronson, who will start at Paramount on Dec. 2, is taking over for Kyle Davies, who is exiting his role as the head of Paramount’s domestic distribution division, where he has served since 2016.
“Kyle...
- 11/18/2019
- by Brian Welk and Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Chris Aronson has been tapped as president of domestic theatrical distribution at Paramount Pictures, a hire that reunites him with studio chief Jim Gianopulos. Both men worked together at 20th Century Fox for decades.
Aronson is known for his wit, blunt talk, and deep ties to the exhibition industry. He was pushed out from his post at Fox last spring after the Walt Disney Company bought the studio. A reunion with Gianopulos, who ran film operations at Fox until 2016, has been rumored for some time.
In his new role, Aronson will oversee theatrical distribution in North America, including in-theater marketing, operation and overall strategy. He will report to Marc Weinstock, Paramount’s president of worldwide marketing and distribution, and Mary Daily, co-president of worldwide marketing and distribution.
“In an ever-evolving distribution landscape, Chris has the ideal balance of experience in the arena and strategic acumen, as well as strong filmmaker relationships,...
Aronson is known for his wit, blunt talk, and deep ties to the exhibition industry. He was pushed out from his post at Fox last spring after the Walt Disney Company bought the studio. A reunion with Gianopulos, who ran film operations at Fox until 2016, has been rumored for some time.
In his new role, Aronson will oversee theatrical distribution in North America, including in-theater marketing, operation and overall strategy. He will report to Marc Weinstock, Paramount’s president of worldwide marketing and distribution, and Mary Daily, co-president of worldwide marketing and distribution.
“In an ever-evolving distribution landscape, Chris has the ideal balance of experience in the arena and strategic acumen, as well as strong filmmaker relationships,...
- 11/18/2019
- by Brent Lang and Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
The former 20th Century Fox domestic distribution boss returns to work with his former 20th Century boss Jim Gianopulos and former marketing colleague Marc Weinstock, effective Dec. 2. Chris Aronson has been named President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution for the Melrose lot and will will report to Weinstock, Paramount’s President of Worldwide Marketing & Distribution and Mary Daily, Co-President of Worldwide Marketing & Distribution.
Aronson is highly respected, not just in the overall distribution and exhibition community, but by filmmakers as well, a true visionary when it comes to the trade and knowing what works in the theatrical space. In the wake of Disney deciding they couldn’t fit him in the new merger, many wondered where Aronson would land, and the logic was that it was always here, back with his Fox pals at Paramount. Aronson oversaw the distribution of such Fox hits as Avatar, Bohemian Rhapsody, the X-Men franchise, Deadpool series,...
Aronson is highly respected, not just in the overall distribution and exhibition community, but by filmmakers as well, a true visionary when it comes to the trade and knowing what works in the theatrical space. In the wake of Disney deciding they couldn’t fit him in the new merger, many wondered where Aronson would land, and the logic was that it was always here, back with his Fox pals at Paramount. Aronson oversaw the distribution of such Fox hits as Avatar, Bohemian Rhapsody, the X-Men franchise, Deadpool series,...
- 11/18/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Pictures has tapped Chris Aronson as president of domestic theatrical distribution.
He will report to co-presidents of worldwide marketing and distribution Marc Weinstock and Mary Daily.
Aronson previously ran distribution at 20th Century Fox, where he served a long stint prior to the Disney-21st Century Fox merger. During much of his time at Fox, he worked under Jim Gianopulos, who is now chairman of Paramount.
Aronson, who will begin his new job Dec. 2, will oversee all aspects of domestic theatrical distribution, including theatrical sales, in-theater marketing, operations and overall distribution strategy.
“In an ever-evolving distribution landscape, Chris ...
He will report to co-presidents of worldwide marketing and distribution Marc Weinstock and Mary Daily.
Aronson previously ran distribution at 20th Century Fox, where he served a long stint prior to the Disney-21st Century Fox merger. During much of his time at Fox, he worked under Jim Gianopulos, who is now chairman of Paramount.
Aronson, who will begin his new job Dec. 2, will oversee all aspects of domestic theatrical distribution, including theatrical sales, in-theater marketing, operations and overall distribution strategy.
“In an ever-evolving distribution landscape, Chris ...
- 11/18/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount Pictures has tapped Chris Aronson as president of domestic theatrical distribution.
He will report to co-presidents of worldwide marketing and distribution Marc Weinstock and Mary Daily.
Aronson previously ran distribution at 20th Century Fox, where he served a long stint prior to the Disney-21st Century Fox merger. During much of his time at Fox, he worked under Jim Gianopulos, who is now chairman of Paramount.
Aronson, who will begin his new job Dec. 2, will oversee all aspects of domestic theatrical distribution, including theatrical sales, in-theater marketing, operations and overall distribution strategy.
“In an ever-evolving distribution landscape, Chris ...
He will report to co-presidents of worldwide marketing and distribution Marc Weinstock and Mary Daily.
Aronson previously ran distribution at 20th Century Fox, where he served a long stint prior to the Disney-21st Century Fox merger. During much of his time at Fox, he worked under Jim Gianopulos, who is now chairman of Paramount.
Aronson, who will begin his new job Dec. 2, will oversee all aspects of domestic theatrical distribution, including theatrical sales, in-theater marketing, operations and overall distribution strategy.
“In an ever-evolving distribution landscape, Chris ...
- 11/18/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Sources say Annapurna/MGM joint venture United Artists Releasing remains capable of distributing Bond 25.
Updated: Megan Ellison has responded to reports that Annapurna is in financial dire straits and locked in a tussle with lenders after spending much of its $350m credit facility.
Speculation about the viability of Annapurna has swirled around Hollywood for a year or so and intensified after reports on Wednesday (Aug. 7) that Ellison’s father, Oracle founder and billionaire Larry Ellison, is in talks to shore up Annapurna’s debt as senior lenders circle and the prospect of bankruptcy looms large.
However later on Wednesday (Aug.
Updated: Megan Ellison has responded to reports that Annapurna is in financial dire straits and locked in a tussle with lenders after spending much of its $350m credit facility.
Speculation about the viability of Annapurna has swirled around Hollywood for a year or so and intensified after reports on Wednesday (Aug. 7) that Ellison’s father, Oracle founder and billionaire Larry Ellison, is in talks to shore up Annapurna’s debt as senior lenders circle and the prospect of bankruptcy looms large.
However later on Wednesday (Aug.
- 8/7/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Sources say Annapurna/MGM joint venture United Artists Releasing remains capable of distributing Bond 25.
Speculation about the viability of Megan Ellison’s Annapurna has swirled around Hollywood for a year or so and now, according to reports, the company is in a tussle with lenders after spending much of its $350m credit facility.
Ellison’s father, Oracle founder and billionaire Larry Ellison, is reportedly in talks to shore up Annapurna’s debt as senior lenders circle and the prospect of bankruptcy looms large.
What happens next has serious ramifications on the fate of another independent distributor at a time when...
Speculation about the viability of Megan Ellison’s Annapurna has swirled around Hollywood for a year or so and now, according to reports, the company is in a tussle with lenders after spending much of its $350m credit facility.
Ellison’s father, Oracle founder and billionaire Larry Ellison, is reportedly in talks to shore up Annapurna’s debt as senior lenders circle and the prospect of bankruptcy looms large.
What happens next has serious ramifications on the fate of another independent distributor at a time when...
- 8/7/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Paramount Pictures has made a couple of marketing exec hires, setting 20th Century Fox veterans Danielle Kupchak as Evp Global Creative Content and Len Iannelli as Svp Special Projects & Events.
The pair joins the team led by Marc Weinstock, President of Worldwide Marketing & Distribution, and Mary Daily, Co-President, Worldwide Marketing & Distribution.
“With her breadth of experience in both film and television, Danielle brings a unique perspective on strategic content creation and storytelling for all platforms,” the senior execs said in a statement. “Len is widely respected in the industry for enacting events and experiences that engage our audiences and talent alike. We know both will help drive impactful campaigns for our theatrical film slate and beyond.”
Kupchak will oversee the creative content for Paramount’s theatrical marketing campaigns, reporting to Peter Giannascoli, Co-President of Domestic Marketing. She was Svp Global Creative Content in Theatrical Marketing at Fox, overseeing its campaigns...
The pair joins the team led by Marc Weinstock, President of Worldwide Marketing & Distribution, and Mary Daily, Co-President, Worldwide Marketing & Distribution.
“With her breadth of experience in both film and television, Danielle brings a unique perspective on strategic content creation and storytelling for all platforms,” the senior execs said in a statement. “Len is widely respected in the industry for enacting events and experiences that engage our audiences and talent alike. We know both will help drive impactful campaigns for our theatrical film slate and beyond.”
Kupchak will oversee the creative content for Paramount’s theatrical marketing campaigns, reporting to Peter Giannascoli, Co-President of Domestic Marketing. She was Svp Global Creative Content in Theatrical Marketing at Fox, overseeing its campaigns...
- 4/17/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Pictures announced on Tuesday that it has promoted Dan Cohen to president of worldwide home entertainment and TV distribution at the studio.
Cohen previously served as head of worldwide TV licensing and takes over his new role from Mary Daily. Daily oversaw international theatrical marketing and home entertainment since 2017, but earlier this month was upped to co-president of worldwide theatrical marketing and distribution.
“Dan has been an indispensable leader in the licensing space, both for Paramount and in the industry at large,” said Paramount chief operating officer Andrew Gumpert in a statement. “He has a proven track record of business growth, and I am confident that, along with Bob Buchi and his team, he will more than excel in overseeing our home entertainment and television distribution businesses.”
Also Read: Marc Weinstock Named President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution at Paramount
Cohen joined Paramount in 2017, and prior to that spent 20 years at Disney/ABC,...
Cohen previously served as head of worldwide TV licensing and takes over his new role from Mary Daily. Daily oversaw international theatrical marketing and home entertainment since 2017, but earlier this month was upped to co-president of worldwide theatrical marketing and distribution.
“Dan has been an indispensable leader in the licensing space, both for Paramount and in the industry at large,” said Paramount chief operating officer Andrew Gumpert in a statement. “He has a proven track record of business growth, and I am confident that, along with Bob Buchi and his team, he will more than excel in overseeing our home entertainment and television distribution businesses.”
Also Read: Marc Weinstock Named President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution at Paramount
Cohen joined Paramount in 2017, and prior to that spent 20 years at Disney/ABC,...
- 2/26/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Paramount Pictures has promoted Mary Daily, the current international marketing and home entertainment head, to co-president of worldwide marketing and distribution.
Daily will join incoming co-president Marc Weinstock in the role. Variety previously, exclusively reported that Weinstock, former president of Annapurna Films, would be coming to the storied Hollywood lot to replace David Sameth. Both executives will report to Paramount CEO and chairman Jim Gianopulos.
Weinstock and Daily will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of all marketing, advertising and distribution strategies for the studio’s theatrical releases. Sameth is leaving to pursue other opportunities, the studio said, and Weinstock will assume his role on Feb. 25.
“Marc is an incredibly talented and savvy marketer who has been instrumental in many of the most successful and memorable marketing campaigns in recent film history,” said Gianopulos, adding that Daily “has an exemplary record in global marketing and, in addition, stellar achievements in the international arena.
Daily will join incoming co-president Marc Weinstock in the role. Variety previously, exclusively reported that Weinstock, former president of Annapurna Films, would be coming to the storied Hollywood lot to replace David Sameth. Both executives will report to Paramount CEO and chairman Jim Gianopulos.
Weinstock and Daily will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of all marketing, advertising and distribution strategies for the studio’s theatrical releases. Sameth is leaving to pursue other opportunities, the studio said, and Weinstock will assume his role on Feb. 25.
“Marc is an incredibly talented and savvy marketer who has been instrumental in many of the most successful and memorable marketing campaigns in recent film history,” said Gianopulos, adding that Daily “has an exemplary record in global marketing and, in addition, stellar achievements in the international arena.
- 2/20/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Former Annapurna executive Marc Weinstock named president, with Mary Daily as co-president.
Paramount Pictures has confirmed the appointment of former Annapurna president Marc Weinstock as the studio’s new president of worldwide marketing and distribution.
At the same time, Mary Daily, currently Paramount’s president of international marketing and worldwide home entertainment, has been promoted to co-president, worldwide marketing and distribution and both she and Weinstock will report to Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.
Weinstock’s appointment had been expected since news broke last week that president of worldwide marketing David Sameth was leaving Paramount.
Paramount said the...
Paramount Pictures has confirmed the appointment of former Annapurna president Marc Weinstock as the studio’s new president of worldwide marketing and distribution.
At the same time, Mary Daily, currently Paramount’s president of international marketing and worldwide home entertainment, has been promoted to co-president, worldwide marketing and distribution and both she and Weinstock will report to Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.
Weinstock’s appointment had been expected since news broke last week that president of worldwide marketing David Sameth was leaving Paramount.
Paramount said the...
- 2/20/2019
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Former Annapurna executive Marc Weinstock named president, with Mary Daily as co-president.
Paramount Pictures has confirmed the appointment of former Annapurna president Marc Weinstock as the studio’s new president of worldwide marketing and distribution.
At the same time, Mary Daily, currently Paramount’s president of international marketing and worldwide home entertainment, has been promoted to co-president, worldwide marketing and distribution and both she and Weinstock will report to Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.
Weinstock’s appointment had been expected since news broke last week that president of worldwide marketing David Sameth was leaving Paramount.
Paramount said the...
Paramount Pictures has confirmed the appointment of former Annapurna president Marc Weinstock as the studio’s new president of worldwide marketing and distribution.
At the same time, Mary Daily, currently Paramount’s president of international marketing and worldwide home entertainment, has been promoted to co-president, worldwide marketing and distribution and both she and Weinstock will report to Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.
Weinstock’s appointment had been expected since news broke last week that president of worldwide marketing David Sameth was leaving Paramount.
Paramount said the...
- 2/20/2019
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Paramount Pictures made official today what Deadline reported last week: Marc Weinstock is coming to the Melrose lot as President of Worldwide Marketing & Distribution. And Mary Daily, who currently serves as President of International Marketing & Worldwide Home Entertainment, is being promoted to Co-President of Worldwide Marketing & Distribution. The two will work together and report to Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.
Weinstock and Daily will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of all marketing, advertising and distribution strategies for Paramount Pictures’ global theatrical releases. Weinstock starts work on Feb. 25.
As previously reported David Sameth, who has served as President of Worldwide Marketing, is leaving the studio to pursue other ventures.
“Marc is an incredibly talented and savvy marketer who has been instrumental in many of the most successful and memorable marketing campaigns in recent film history,” said Gianopulos. “Having worked closely with him during our shared time at Fox,...
Weinstock and Daily will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of all marketing, advertising and distribution strategies for Paramount Pictures’ global theatrical releases. Weinstock starts work on Feb. 25.
As previously reported David Sameth, who has served as President of Worldwide Marketing, is leaving the studio to pursue other ventures.
“Marc is an incredibly talented and savvy marketer who has been instrumental in many of the most successful and memorable marketing campaigns in recent film history,” said Gianopulos. “Having worked closely with him during our shared time at Fox,...
- 2/19/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Pictures has named Marc Weinstock as president of worldwide marketing and distribution for the studio, while current president of international marketing and worldwide home entertainment Mary Daily has been promoted to co-president of worldwide marketing and distribution.
Weinstock and Daily will work together and will both report to Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos. Last week, TheWrap reported that David Sameth would be exiting his position as head of marketing at Paramount and that he would be replaced by former Annapurna president Weinstock.
“Marc is an incredibly talented and savvy marketer who has been instrumental in many of the most successful and memorable marketing campaigns in recent film history,” Gianopulos said. “Having worked closely with him during our shared time at Fox, I am confident that he is the right person to craft our marketing campaigns and show audiences what makes a Paramount movie stand out from the rest.
Weinstock and Daily will work together and will both report to Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos. Last week, TheWrap reported that David Sameth would be exiting his position as head of marketing at Paramount and that he would be replaced by former Annapurna president Weinstock.
“Marc is an incredibly talented and savvy marketer who has been instrumental in many of the most successful and memorable marketing campaigns in recent film history,” Gianopulos said. “Having worked closely with him during our shared time at Fox, I am confident that he is the right person to craft our marketing campaigns and show audiences what makes a Paramount movie stand out from the rest.
- 2/19/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Marc Weinstock is joining Paramount Pictures as its new president of worldwide marketing and distribution, while Mary Daily, who currently serves as president of international marketing and worldwide home entertainment, has been promoted to co-president, worldwide marketing and distribution, the studio said Tuesday.
Weinstock and Daily will both report to Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.
As the studio shakes up its marketing department, as previously reported, David Sameth, who has served as president of worldwide marketing for just over a year, is exiting the company.
The studio described the moves as an effort to streamline its global operation,...
Weinstock and Daily will both report to Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.
As the studio shakes up its marketing department, as previously reported, David Sameth, who has served as president of worldwide marketing for just over a year, is exiting the company.
The studio described the moves as an effort to streamline its global operation,...
- 2/19/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Marc Weinstock is joining Paramount Pictures as its new president of worldwide marketing and distribution, while Mary Daily, who currently serves as president of international marketing and worldwide home entertainment, has been promoted to co-president, worldwide marketing and distribution, the studio said Tuesday.
Weinstock and Daily will both report to Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.
As the studio shakes up its marketing department, as previously reported, David Sameth, who has served as president of worldwide marketing for just over a year, is exiting the company.
The studio described the moves as an effort to streamline its global operation,...
Weinstock and Daily will both report to Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos.
As the studio shakes up its marketing department, as previously reported, David Sameth, who has served as president of worldwide marketing for just over a year, is exiting the company.
The studio described the moves as an effort to streamline its global operation,...
- 2/19/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
David Sameth is out as head of marketing at Paramount and will be replaced by former Annapurna president Marc Weinstock, according to multiple reports.
Sameth, who was the former head of theatrical marketing for Disney Animation and Pixar, joined Paramount last year and took over as head of marketing after the departure of Megan Colligan, who is now head of IMAX Entertainment.
Also Read: Paramount Pictures Lays Off Staff in Finance, Business & Legal Affairs and Television
Before his term at Annapurna, Weinstock served as head of domestic marketing at Fox under then-studio head Jim Gianopulos, who is now chairman and CEO of Paramount. He has also served as president of worldwide marketing at Sony Pictures.
Paramount’s upcoming film slate includes an adaptation of Stephen King’s “Pet Sematary,” the Ang Lee sci-fi film “Gemini Man” and the Elton John biopic “Rocketman.” The studio grossed $757 million at the domestic box office last year,...
Sameth, who was the former head of theatrical marketing for Disney Animation and Pixar, joined Paramount last year and took over as head of marketing after the departure of Megan Colligan, who is now head of IMAX Entertainment.
Also Read: Paramount Pictures Lays Off Staff in Finance, Business & Legal Affairs and Television
Before his term at Annapurna, Weinstock served as head of domestic marketing at Fox under then-studio head Jim Gianopulos, who is now chairman and CEO of Paramount. He has also served as president of worldwide marketing at Sony Pictures.
Paramount’s upcoming film slate includes an adaptation of Stephen King’s “Pet Sematary,” the Ang Lee sci-fi film “Gemini Man” and the Elton John biopic “Rocketman.” The studio grossed $757 million at the domestic box office last year,...
- 2/13/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
This has been the buzz all morning and we are awaiting confirmation. David Sameth will be leaving his post as worldwide marketing president. He’ll be replaced by Marc Weinstock, the vet who has moved around a lot and most recently exited as preside of Annapurna. Before that he was at Fox and before that Sony.
Sameth came from marketing animated film two years ago at Disney and Pixar to replace Megan Colligan, the longtime marketing head who was part of the previous administration and took the top job at IMAX.
Weinstock might be a better fit, as he is more proactive when interacting with filmmakers on their marketing campaigns. Sameth wasn’t that guy, and it was creating issues with some filmmakers, sources said. Paramount is not immediately commenting.
The situation is fluid, and don’t be surprised if the studio reels in another marketing executive to share some duties with Weinstock.
Sameth came from marketing animated film two years ago at Disney and Pixar to replace Megan Colligan, the longtime marketing head who was part of the previous administration and took the top job at IMAX.
Weinstock might be a better fit, as he is more proactive when interacting with filmmakers on their marketing campaigns. Sameth wasn’t that guy, and it was creating issues with some filmmakers, sources said. Paramount is not immediately commenting.
The situation is fluid, and don’t be surprised if the studio reels in another marketing executive to share some duties with Weinstock.
- 2/13/2019
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
David Sameth has been pushed out as part of a marketing shake-up at Paramount Pictures, sources tell Variety. Marc Weinstock, the former president of Annapurna, is in negotiations to join the studio in an unspecified role that will likely include overseeing parts of the marketing team, but could include other responsibilities. No deal is in place.
Paramount could not be reached for comment.
Sameth joined the studio just over a year ago after a stint as executive VP and head of theatrical marketing for Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. Sources say Sameth had alienated some staffers with his management style and had disappointed Paramount chief Jim Gianopulos with his campaigns for the Mark Wahlberg comedy “Instant Family” and J.J. Abrams’ thriller “Overlord.”
Paramount’s upcoming releases include a remake of “Pet Sematary,” the Elton John biopic “Rocketman,” and “Gemini Man,” a thriller the teams director Ang Lee with Will Smith.
Paramount could not be reached for comment.
Sameth joined the studio just over a year ago after a stint as executive VP and head of theatrical marketing for Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. Sources say Sameth had alienated some staffers with his management style and had disappointed Paramount chief Jim Gianopulos with his campaigns for the Mark Wahlberg comedy “Instant Family” and J.J. Abrams’ thriller “Overlord.”
Paramount’s upcoming releases include a remake of “Pet Sematary,” the Elton John biopic “Rocketman,” and “Gemini Man,” a thriller the teams director Ang Lee with Will Smith.
- 2/13/2019
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
In a shake-up of Paramount Pictures' marketing department, David Sameth is departing as president of worldwide marketing.
Marc Weinstock — an experienced marketing executive who spent two years as president of Megan Ellison’s Annapurna before leaving that company in June 2018 — will be joining the studio to head up worldwide marketing, although it's not clear if other executives will also share in those responsibilities.
Sameth has been at Paramount just over a year, having joined in January 2018. He came to Paramount from Disney, where he had been executive vp and head of theatrical marketing ...
Marc Weinstock — an experienced marketing executive who spent two years as president of Megan Ellison’s Annapurna before leaving that company in June 2018 — will be joining the studio to head up worldwide marketing, although it's not clear if other executives will also share in those responsibilities.
Sameth has been at Paramount just over a year, having joined in January 2018. He came to Paramount from Disney, where he had been executive vp and head of theatrical marketing ...
- 2/13/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
In a shake-up of Paramount Pictures' marketing department, David Sameth is departing as president of worldwide marketing.
Marc Weinstock — an experienced marketing executive who spent two years as president of Megan Ellison’s Annapurna before leaving that company in June 2018 — will be joining the studio to head up worldwide marketing, although it's not clear if other executives will also share in those responsibilities.
Sameth has been at Paramount just over a year, having joined in January 2018. He came to Paramount from Disney, where he had been executive vp and head of theatrical marketing ...
Marc Weinstock — an experienced marketing executive who spent two years as president of Megan Ellison’s Annapurna before leaving that company in June 2018 — will be joining the studio to head up worldwide marketing, although it's not clear if other executives will also share in those responsibilities.
Sameth has been at Paramount just over a year, having joined in January 2018. He came to Paramount from Disney, where he had been executive vp and head of theatrical marketing ...
- 2/13/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Annapurna has promoted Sue Naegle to chief content officer of Annapurna, where she will expand her role as president of the Megan Ellison company’s television division to oversee development and production the film slate. She will also have the company’s Theatre division in here purview and will manage the cross-platform pollination of Annapurna Interactive’s IP.
Naegle will report to Ellison. Annapurna said it plans to produce and acquire between 3-5 features a year for theatrical distribution and streaming platforms.
Annapurna currently is in the Oscar hunt with 11 total noms yesterday for Adam McKay’s Vice and Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk. Recent pics included Karyn Kusama’s Nicole Kidman-starrer Destroyer.
Annnapurna also said Wednesday that Ivana Lombardi has assumed the role of President of Film. She will also work closely with longtime Annapurna executive Jillian Longnecker, who has been promoted to President of Physical Production.
Naegle will report to Ellison. Annapurna said it plans to produce and acquire between 3-5 features a year for theatrical distribution and streaming platforms.
Annapurna currently is in the Oscar hunt with 11 total noms yesterday for Adam McKay’s Vice and Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk. Recent pics included Karyn Kusama’s Nicole Kidman-starrer Destroyer.
Annnapurna also said Wednesday that Ivana Lombardi has assumed the role of President of Film. She will also work closely with longtime Annapurna executive Jillian Longnecker, who has been promoted to President of Physical Production.
- 1/23/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Co. has officially laid claim to the top-level executives at Fox that the company wants to keep once it finalizes its $71.3 billion acquisition for the majority of the Murdoch family’s entertainment assets — but Fox film chief Stacey Snider won’t be making the move.
That puts Snider, a well-liked and respected executive who has had stints running Universal Pictures, DreamWorks and currently 20th Century Fox, in play at a time when Hollywood is craving experienced leadership.
“Literally I’d be outside the lot right now with a lobster bib on,” Redef CEO Jason Hirschhorn said at this month’s TheWrap-sponsored media and entertainment conference TheGrill.
Also Read: Fox Executives Emma Watts, Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula to Join Disney Studio After Merger
The problem, however, is that there don’t seem to be a lot of clear landing places at the moment for an executive of her caliber,...
That puts Snider, a well-liked and respected executive who has had stints running Universal Pictures, DreamWorks and currently 20th Century Fox, in play at a time when Hollywood is craving experienced leadership.
“Literally I’d be outside the lot right now with a lobster bib on,” Redef CEO Jason Hirschhorn said at this month’s TheWrap-sponsored media and entertainment conference TheGrill.
Also Read: Fox Executives Emma Watts, Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula to Join Disney Studio After Merger
The problem, however, is that there don’t seem to be a lot of clear landing places at the moment for an executive of her caliber,...
- 10/19/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
In the last year, Megan Ellison has moved from respected producer of multiple Oscar contenders to another deep-pocketed Hollywood player who failed to appreciate the hazards of building a distribution company. On Tuesday, a series of news flashes telegraphed a company in trouble.
First, Jay Roach’s untitled movie starring John Lithgow as Fox News chairman and sexual harasser Roger Ailes, which was set to start shooting in just two weeks, is being shopped to other distributors. Canadian financier Bron Studios was set to co-finance the reported $35-million production written by Oscar-winner Charles Randolph (“The Big Short”). Focus Features is reportedly in talks to acquire the film. Annapurna had just announced casting of Malcolm McDowell as Rupert Murdoch; he joins a strong ensemble including Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Kate McKinnon, and Margot Robbie as Megyn Kelly.
Second, it was revealed that, some months ago, Annapurna dropped Lorene Scafaria’s Jennifer Lopez exotic dance movie.
First, Jay Roach’s untitled movie starring John Lithgow as Fox News chairman and sexual harasser Roger Ailes, which was set to start shooting in just two weeks, is being shopped to other distributors. Canadian financier Bron Studios was set to co-finance the reported $35-million production written by Oscar-winner Charles Randolph (“The Big Short”). Focus Features is reportedly in talks to acquire the film. Annapurna had just announced casting of Malcolm McDowell as Rupert Murdoch; he joins a strong ensemble including Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Kate McKinnon, and Margot Robbie as Megyn Kelly.
Second, it was revealed that, some months ago, Annapurna dropped Lorene Scafaria’s Jennifer Lopez exotic dance movie.
- 10/10/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
In the last year, Megan Ellison has moved from respected producer of multiple Oscar contenders to another deep-pocketed Hollywood player who failed to appreciate the hazards of building a distribution company. On Tuesday, a series of news flashes telegraphed a company in trouble.
First, Jay Roach’s untitled movie starring John Lithgow as Fox News chairman and sexual harasser Roger Ailes, which was set to start shooting in just two weeks, is being shopped to other distributors. Canadian financier Bron Studios was set to co-finance the reported $35-million production written by Oscar-winner Charles Randolph (“The Big Short”). Focus Features is reportedly in talks to acquire the film. Annapurna had just announced casting of Malcolm McDowell as Rupert Murdoch; he joins a strong ensemble including Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Kate McKinnon, and Margot Robbie as Megyn Kelly.
Second, it was revealed that, some months ago, Annapurna dropped Lorene Scafaria’s Jennifer Lopez exotic dance movie.
First, Jay Roach’s untitled movie starring John Lithgow as Fox News chairman and sexual harasser Roger Ailes, which was set to start shooting in just two weeks, is being shopped to other distributors. Canadian financier Bron Studios was set to co-finance the reported $35-million production written by Oscar-winner Charles Randolph (“The Big Short”). Focus Features is reportedly in talks to acquire the film. Annapurna had just announced casting of Malcolm McDowell as Rupert Murdoch; he joins a strong ensemble including Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Kate McKinnon, and Margot Robbie as Megyn Kelly.
Second, it was revealed that, some months ago, Annapurna dropped Lorene Scafaria’s Jennifer Lopez exotic dance movie.
- 10/10/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
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