The superhero genre has traditionally been family-oriented. Often light-hearted and ending with a moral message, PG-13 is what most of these films aim for. However, every now and then there comes an R-rated superhero flick that completely blows off adult minds, forcing them to be hyped like kids again. And the Deadpool series did just that.
A still from Logan
However, Deadpool wasn’t the first R-rated superhero movie, and it certainly won’t be the last. Most of the time, R-rated movies earn much less than their PG counterparts, and just like Deadpool, that rule is occasionally broken. As in the case of Logan, which successfully clawed through its family-friendly genre to present a bloody masterpiece.
Suggested“He really wanted me to come back and do the next Wolverine”: Amid Channing Tatum’s Speculated Cameo as Gambit, Another Hugh Jackman’s Co-star is Hopeful For a MCU Debut...
A still from Logan
However, Deadpool wasn’t the first R-rated superhero movie, and it certainly won’t be the last. Most of the time, R-rated movies earn much less than their PG counterparts, and just like Deadpool, that rule is occasionally broken. As in the case of Logan, which successfully clawed through its family-friendly genre to present a bloody masterpiece.
Suggested“He really wanted me to come back and do the next Wolverine”: Amid Channing Tatum’s Speculated Cameo as Gambit, Another Hugh Jackman’s Co-star is Hopeful For a MCU Debut...
- 4/28/2024
- by Sayantan Choudhary
- FandomWire
Warner Bros. is returning to the fantasy action game after acquiring Shannon Messenger‘s novel series Keeper of the Lost Cities. Emma Watts produces the project, which could turn into a franchise if audiences warm to the story and characters.
Here’s a synopsis for Keeper of the Lost Cities (Volume 1) courtesy of Amazon:
Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks.
But the day Sophie meets Fitz, a mysterious (and adorable) boy, she learns she’s not alone. He’s a Telepath, too, and it turns out the reason she has never felt at home is that, well, she isn’t.
Here’s a synopsis for Keeper of the Lost Cities (Volume 1) courtesy of Amazon:
Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks.
But the day Sophie meets Fitz, a mysterious (and adorable) boy, she learns she’s not alone. He’s a Telepath, too, and it turns out the reason she has never felt at home is that, well, she isn’t.
- 4/18/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Warner Bros Pictures has acquired Shannon Messenger’s bestselling book series Keeper of the Lost Cities, with Emma Watts set to produce.
Messenger’s series focuses on Sophie, a telepathic girl who must figure out why she is the key to a world that exists side by side with our own. She must do this before dark forces find the answer first, putting both worlds in jeopardy.
With nine installments and over 7 million copies sold worldwide so far, Messenger continues Sophie’s saga with the next installment, Unraveled, which will be published on November 12, 2024.
While the former production topper at Fox and Paramount has been in the mix for several of the big jobs in the past few years, it is easy to see how Watts can flourish in the role of producer of a literary property with franchise potential for Warner Bros. As an executive, she has shown a great eye for material,...
Messenger’s series focuses on Sophie, a telepathic girl who must figure out why she is the key to a world that exists side by side with our own. She must do this before dark forces find the answer first, putting both worlds in jeopardy.
With nine installments and over 7 million copies sold worldwide so far, Messenger continues Sophie’s saga with the next installment, Unraveled, which will be published on November 12, 2024.
While the former production topper at Fox and Paramount has been in the mix for several of the big jobs in the past few years, it is easy to see how Watts can flourish in the role of producer of a literary property with franchise potential for Warner Bros. As an executive, she has shown a great eye for material,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The Star Trek franchise can’t seem to catch a break on the big screen. There have been numerous Star Trek movies in development since the release of Star Trek Beyond almost eight years ago, including one from Fargo creator Noah Hawley. The project was pretty far along before Paramount pulled the plug, and Hawley has revealed that the movie would have starred Cate Blanchett and Rami Malek. Hot damn.
Noah Hawley discussed the Star Trek project on a recent episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, speaking of his tales of “heartbreak” in Hollywood. “Yeah, I mean, I was going to make a Star Trek movie with Cate Blanchett and Rami Malek,” Hawley said. “Could have had that, America.“
It’s unlikely that Cate Blanchett and Rami Malek had officially signed on, but Hawley has previously said that they were in the middle of major casting when the plug was pulled.
Noah Hawley discussed the Star Trek project on a recent episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, speaking of his tales of “heartbreak” in Hollywood. “Yeah, I mean, I was going to make a Star Trek movie with Cate Blanchett and Rami Malek,” Hawley said. “Could have had that, America.“
It’s unlikely that Cate Blanchett and Rami Malek had officially signed on, but Hawley has previously said that they were in the middle of major casting when the plug was pulled.
- 2/2/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
If Hollywood executive shuffles were an Oscar category, Scott Stuber would take home the trophy for scene-stealing announcement.
The company’s long-time (at least by entertainment industry standards) film chief revealed on the eve of the Academy Award nominations that he’s departing the streamer to start a new media company. The news wasn’t a total shock; his exit has been rumored for some time and the well-liked executive had been talking to potential financiers about a solo venture, according to a knowledgeable source.
Still, his goodbye leaves one of the most influential jobs in movies open for the taking. This will likely spark a flurry of people who are burnishing their resumes, including former Warner Bros. chairman Toby Emmerich, Paramount’s prior motion picture group president Emma Watts and executive-turned-producer Dan Lin. It’s possible, but less likely, that Paramount’s prior CEO Jim Gianopulos and the recently...
The company’s long-time (at least by entertainment industry standards) film chief revealed on the eve of the Academy Award nominations that he’s departing the streamer to start a new media company. The news wasn’t a total shock; his exit has been rumored for some time and the well-liked executive had been talking to potential financiers about a solo venture, according to a knowledgeable source.
Still, his goodbye leaves one of the most influential jobs in movies open for the taking. This will likely spark a flurry of people who are burnishing their resumes, including former Warner Bros. chairman Toby Emmerich, Paramount’s prior motion picture group president Emma Watts and executive-turned-producer Dan Lin. It’s possible, but less likely, that Paramount’s prior CEO Jim Gianopulos and the recently...
- 1/23/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Kevin Feige's 'Star Wars' film has been binned.Following reports that the Marvel Studios president's film he was producing for the iconic sci-fi franchise was axed, Feige has confirmed the news.When asked if he was moving forward with the movie in an interview with 'Entertainment Tonight', he simply replied: "No."The project was first announced back in 2019 when he teamed up with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy to "pursue a new era in 'Star Wars' storytelling" as the Skywalker Saga came to an end.At the time, Alan Horn, then Disney Studios co-chairman, said: "We are excited about the projects Kathy and the Lucasfilm team are working on, not only in terms of 'Star Wars', but also 'Indiana Jones' and reaching into other parts of the company including 'Children of Blood and Bone' with Emma Watts and Fox."With the close of the Skywalker Saga,...
- 11/9/2023
- by Lizzie Baker
- Bang Showbiz
Somewhere, in a galaxy far, far away, Darth Vader screams the word “No!” I’ve got upsetting news if you’ve waited years for Kevin Feige to begin work on his Star Wars feature. Your space princess is in another castle. While waxing rhapsodic with Entertainment Tonight about Marvel Studios’ latest superhero spectacle, The Marvels, Feige confirmed his Star Wars project is no longer in development.
Initially, Feige would develop and produce a new movie in the Star Wars Universe. However, the Marvel Cinematic Universe needs his full attention, with dozens of film and television projects on the horizon. Feige’s Star Wars film had Loki creator Michael Waldron writing the script, but that’s about as far as details went.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Ash Crossan asked Feige if there’s any chance we’ll hear more about his Star Wars movie. “No,” Feige responded, finally putting rumors about...
Initially, Feige would develop and produce a new movie in the Star Wars Universe. However, the Marvel Cinematic Universe needs his full attention, with dozens of film and television projects on the horizon. Feige’s Star Wars film had Loki creator Michael Waldron writing the script, but that’s about as far as details went.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Ash Crossan asked Feige if there’s any chance we’ll hear more about his Star Wars movie. “No,” Feige responded, finally putting rumors about...
- 11/8/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
The "X-Men" movie "Dark Phoenix" was hurt by upheaval at its studio, 20th Century Fox. The film was developed during the merger between Fox and Disney; in fact, "Dark Phoenix" was released on June 7, 2019, early into the new management's tenure. During that theatrical run, it made only $254 million on a $200 million budget, ultimately losing $133 million in the worst bomb of 2019.
It's tempting to think Disney undermined "Dark Phoenix." The movie was released as a lame duck, the last product assembled before all Marvel properties were back under Disney's umbrella. Marvel Studios would've doubtlessly preferred not to inherit a completed "X-Men" film, so that they could get to work on their own versions of the characters (even if the Marvel Cinematic Universe has brought back some faces from Fox's "X-Men" movies since).
However, The Hollywood Reporter indicates there was another player who helped doom "Dark Phoenix" — James Cameron.
Read more: The...
It's tempting to think Disney undermined "Dark Phoenix." The movie was released as a lame duck, the last product assembled before all Marvel properties were back under Disney's umbrella. Marvel Studios would've doubtlessly preferred not to inherit a completed "X-Men" film, so that they could get to work on their own versions of the characters (even if the Marvel Cinematic Universe has brought back some faces from Fox's "X-Men" movies since).
However, The Hollywood Reporter indicates there was another player who helped doom "Dark Phoenix" — James Cameron.
Read more: The...
- 9/16/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Will we ever know what we really went down when Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness scribe Michael Waldron set out to make their very own Star Wars movie? That remains to be seen. What we do know for sure is that the movie isn’t happening. Or was never happening at all. It really depends on who you ask at Disney.
The latest update on this “shelved” project comes from Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy herself, who sat down with IGN to set the record straight during Star Wars Celebration 2023. Unfortunately, her comments on the project, which she says was never in development to begin with, actually make this long-winded behind-the-scenes saga even more confusing.
“Kevin Feige’s project was something announced in the press, or I suppose fandom. But there was nothing. Nothing ever got developed. We never discussed an idea,” Kennedy told IGN.
The latest update on this “shelved” project comes from Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy herself, who sat down with IGN to set the record straight during Star Wars Celebration 2023. Unfortunately, her comments on the project, which she says was never in development to begin with, actually make this long-winded behind-the-scenes saga even more confusing.
“Kevin Feige’s project was something announced in the press, or I suppose fandom. But there was nothing. Nothing ever got developed. We never discussed an idea,” Kennedy told IGN.
- 4/17/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
In a new interview with IGN, Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy addressed reports that Marvel leader Kevin Feige’s planned Star Wars project was shelved by saying the potential film actually “never got developed.”
“Kevin Feige’s project was something announced in the press, or I suppose fandom. But there was nothing. Nothing ever got developed. We never discussed an idea,” Kennedy claimed in the interview. “As everybody knows, Kevin’s a huge Star Wars fan and if he did come up with something, I would be all ears. But that’s never really happened. So, it’s not an abandoned project, it just didn’t happen.”
Feige’s involvement in the Star Wars universe was actually first revealed in 2019 by The Hollywood Reporter. In that story, it was reported Feige had discussed his possible film with Kennedy and former Disney studio co-chair Alan Horn. Asked then about Feige’s project,...
“Kevin Feige’s project was something announced in the press, or I suppose fandom. But there was nothing. Nothing ever got developed. We never discussed an idea,” Kennedy claimed in the interview. “As everybody knows, Kevin’s a huge Star Wars fan and if he did come up with something, I would be all ears. But that’s never really happened. So, it’s not an abandoned project, it just didn’t happen.”
Feige’s involvement in the Star Wars universe was actually first revealed in 2019 by The Hollywood Reporter. In that story, it was reported Feige had discussed his possible film with Kennedy and former Disney studio co-chair Alan Horn. Asked then about Feige’s project,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Christopher Rosen
- Gold Derby
Amazon Studios Boss Jen Salke on Tuesday finally named former Warner Bros President of Production Courtenay Valenti as Head of Film, Streaming and Theatrical for Amazon Studios and MGM. She will report directly to Salke.
Rapaport
Julie Rapaport, who was the interim head of both studios, will continue to oversee the slate for Amazon Originals and MGM in her new role as Head of Film Creative and Strategy, reporting to Valenti.
The deal, which Deadline first told you about, has been in the works for a while and arrives before Amazon MGM’s big release this weekend of Creed III at the box office; it is set to see the franchise’s best domestic debut between $38 million-$40 million.
Following Amazon’s purchase of MGM, the studio’s top leaders, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, headed to Warner Bros as co-chairs of the motion picture division. It took awhile for...
Rapaport
Julie Rapaport, who was the interim head of both studios, will continue to oversee the slate for Amazon Originals and MGM in her new role as Head of Film Creative and Strategy, reporting to Valenti.
The deal, which Deadline first told you about, has been in the works for a while and arrives before Amazon MGM’s big release this weekend of Creed III at the box office; it is set to see the franchise’s best domestic debut between $38 million-$40 million.
Following Amazon’s purchase of MGM, the studio’s top leaders, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, headed to Warner Bros as co-chairs of the motion picture division. It took awhile for...
- 2/28/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Where the Crawdads Sing is exactly the sort of movie that isn’t supposed to work anymore on the big screen. Yet the summer release speared more than 140 million globally, including 90 million domestically. That’s a small fortune for a literary adaptation that was made for 30 million — and a big win for Tom Rothman, Sony’s movie studio chairman and theatrical evangelist. The Woman King likewise defied the odds in earning 92.3 million worldwide after staging its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. Most other high-profile titles coming out of the fall fest circuit have struggled badly at the box office.
As 2022 wraps, Rothman, 68, has plenty to celebrate seven years after being asked by Sony chair Tony Vinciquerra to rebuild the studio following its devastating hack. Sony’s Motion Picture Group has swung to three years of record profits. The past fiscal year hit an all-time high,...
Where the Crawdads Sing is exactly the sort of movie that isn’t supposed to work anymore on the big screen. Yet the summer release speared more than 140 million globally, including 90 million domestically. That’s a small fortune for a literary adaptation that was made for 30 million — and a big win for Tom Rothman, Sony’s movie studio chairman and theatrical evangelist. The Woman King likewise defied the odds in earning 92.3 million worldwide after staging its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. Most other high-profile titles coming out of the fall fest circuit have struggled badly at the box office.
As 2022 wraps, Rothman, 68, has plenty to celebrate seven years after being asked by Sony chair Tony Vinciquerra to rebuild the studio following its devastating hack. Sony’s Motion Picture Group has swung to three years of record profits. The past fiscal year hit an all-time high,...
- 12/21/2022
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Despite his outsize reputation as a prolific unscripted hitmaker — and the mythmaker who created Donald Trump’s image as a successful businessman — Mark Burnett’s departure as chairman of MGM’s Worldwide TV Group reads more like a footnote than a headline in a dramatic (and, so far, confusing to some in the creative community) ongoing executive shuffle in Amazon’s entertainment operations.
Burnett is the latest top exec to leave MGM since Amazon acquired the studio for 8.5 billion in February. Motion picture group chairman Michael De Luca and motion picture group president Pam Abdy exited in April to run Warner Bros. Discovery’s film studio. A search for a new film studio head has been underway for some time — hampered, some sources say, by internal wrangling over who would oversee that division. But Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke emerged the winner in...
Despite his outsize reputation as a prolific unscripted hitmaker — and the mythmaker who created Donald Trump’s image as a successful businessman — Mark Burnett’s departure as chairman of MGM’s Worldwide TV Group reads more like a footnote than a headline in a dramatic (and, so far, confusing to some in the creative community) ongoing executive shuffle in Amazon’s entertainment operations.
Burnett is the latest top exec to leave MGM since Amazon acquired the studio for 8.5 billion in February. Motion picture group chairman Michael De Luca and motion picture group president Pam Abdy exited in April to run Warner Bros. Discovery’s film studio. A search for a new film studio head has been underway for some time — hampered, some sources say, by internal wrangling over who would oversee that division. But Amazon Studios chief Jennifer Salke emerged the winner in...
- 11/30/2022
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After 15 years at Warner Bros, and four as the President of DC Films, Walter Hamada has finally left the Burbank, CA lot as sources tell Deadline the exec waits for the senior Warner Discovery brass to finalize his exit payout. Hamada has run DC since 2018, and re-upped in January 2021 with a contract that was supposed to take him through 2023.
All of this occurs as New Line’s DC movie Black Adam — on which Hamada is an EP — is tracking to open to a projected 135M at the global box office this weekend despite some harsh reviews. The writing has been on the wall for Hamada’s DC exit for quite some time, and sources said he has packed up his office and hasn’t been part of recent creative meetings.
Hamada will be the fifth Warner Bros. motion picture studio executive to leave since David Zaslav took the reigns of...
All of this occurs as New Line’s DC movie Black Adam — on which Hamada is an EP — is tracking to open to a projected 135M at the global box office this weekend despite some harsh reviews. The writing has been on the wall for Hamada’s DC exit for quite some time, and sources said he has packed up his office and hasn’t been part of recent creative meetings.
Hamada will be the fifth Warner Bros. motion picture studio executive to leave since David Zaslav took the reigns of...
- 10/19/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The hierarchy of power at DC Films is about to change, it just won't be Dan Lin as the man making those big changes. It was reported at the end of August that Lin, a very successful producer behind franchises such as "The Lego Movie" and Stephen King's "It," among many, many others, was in talks to take over as the new head of DC for Warner Bros. Discovery. Well, those talks have fallen through, and the search continues to fill that role to help guide the DC brand into the future.
As reported by CNBC, Lin and Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) got so far as to exchange terms sheets for the deal. However, Lin opted to stay with his own production company, Rideback, rather than have Wbd take a stake in the company had he accepted the job. CEO David Zaslav, who took over once WarnerMedia and Discovery merged earlier this year,...
As reported by CNBC, Lin and Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) got so far as to exchange terms sheets for the deal. However, Lin opted to stay with his own production company, Rideback, rather than have Wbd take a stake in the company had he accepted the job. CEO David Zaslav, who took over once WarnerMedia and Discovery merged earlier this year,...
- 9/6/2022
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Almost everything at WB is up in the air these days. New CEO David Zaslav quickly went from anonymous executive to nemesis of both film and superhero fans, first by cancelling the almost completed movie Batgirl, then by holding a presentation that proposed a “male skew” to HBO Max and a “female skew” to Discovery+ (followed by a slide that included the cursed words “90-Day Fiancé Universe”). This point of turmoil means that nothing from the studio is safe, even fan-favorite superhero films.
These shakeups have left questions about the status of the Snyderverse, the series of movies spanning out of the Zack Snyder-directed Man of Steel and its sequels, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. Conventional wisdom would suggest that the Snyderverse is very much intact. Not only did the studio only recently invest millions in letting the director complete Zack Snyder’s Justice League,...
These shakeups have left questions about the status of the Snyderverse, the series of movies spanning out of the Zack Snyder-directed Man of Steel and its sequels, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. Conventional wisdom would suggest that the Snyderverse is very much intact. Not only did the studio only recently invest millions in letting the director complete Zack Snyder’s Justice League,...
- 8/30/2022
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
On its face, finding “the next Kevin Feige” to oversee Warner Bros. Discovery’s film and TV adaptations of DC Comics is a bit like declaring you only want to make hits. If only wishing could make it so!
Feige’s reign as the chief creative officer of Marvel Studios — overseeing the singular Marvel Cinematic Universe for film since 2006 and for streaming TV since 2018 — has earned Disney upwards of 25 billion in global box office grosses to date and helped drive Disney+ to more than 152 million subscribers worldwide. Of course, Wbd CEO David Zaslav wants to emulate that success.
But Feige charted a singular path to becoming the most successful creative executive in Hollywood that afforded him the time, patience and great good fortune to build the MCU more or less from the ground up and on his terms.
Dan Lin, the producer of “The Lego Batman” has emerged as one possible DC chief,...
Feige’s reign as the chief creative officer of Marvel Studios — overseeing the singular Marvel Cinematic Universe for film since 2006 and for streaming TV since 2018 — has earned Disney upwards of 25 billion in global box office grosses to date and helped drive Disney+ to more than 152 million subscribers worldwide. Of course, Wbd CEO David Zaslav wants to emulate that success.
But Feige charted a singular path to becoming the most successful creative executive in Hollywood that afforded him the time, patience and great good fortune to build the MCU more or less from the ground up and on his terms.
Dan Lin, the producer of “The Lego Batman” has emerged as one possible DC chief,...
- 8/29/2022
- by Adam B. Vary and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
For years now, studios have been chasing the box office success of Marvel Studios and their Marvel Cinematic Universe. Building a cohesive collection of interconnected franchises isn't easy, and it's even harder to make them all successful. But Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has come out smelling like roses as he oversees the MCU, both in film and television. Meanwhile, their competitors at DC Comics haven't had a shepherd to oversee the DC Extended Universe, resulting in mixed results of major successes and abject failures. But that could change as Warner Bros. Discovery is in the midst of appointing their own Kevin Feige in the form of "The Lego Movie" and "It" producer Dan Lin, who is currently in talks to become the chief of DC Comics film and television.
Dan Lin's new position, once the deal is solidified, will find him overseeing both film and television projects based on DC Comics properties,...
Dan Lin's new position, once the deal is solidified, will find him overseeing both film and television projects based on DC Comics properties,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Has the new head of DC has been found?
Dan Lin, the executive-turned-producer who counts hits such as the live-action Aladdin, The Lego Movie, and the It horror movies among his credits, is in talks to take the role of DC chief, multiple sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.
The role would encompass overseeing not just film but television as well, with Lin reporting directly to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, according to sources.
The proposed structure would bypass three separate division heads — Warner Bros. Pictures’ heads Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, HBO/HBO Max chief Casey Bloys, and Warner Bros. TV chair Channing Dungey — and put control of DC in the hands of one person.
Walter Hamada, the current head of DC Films, would transition out of the role, according to sources. A Warners insider says that no negotiations are taking place and no official offer has been made,...
Dan Lin, the executive-turned-producer who counts hits such as the live-action Aladdin, The Lego Movie, and the It horror movies among his credits, is in talks to take the role of DC chief, multiple sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.
The role would encompass overseeing not just film but television as well, with Lin reporting directly to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, according to sources.
The proposed structure would bypass three separate division heads — Warner Bros. Pictures’ heads Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, HBO/HBO Max chief Casey Bloys, and Warner Bros. TV chair Channing Dungey — and put control of DC in the hands of one person.
Walter Hamada, the current head of DC Films, would transition out of the role, according to sources. A Warners insider says that no negotiations are taking place and no official offer has been made,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon’s Prime Video is going big with fall TV, launching the most expensive TV series in history, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” and taking full control of NFL’s “Thursday Night Football.” But on the film side, things are a little less groundbreaking and more in flux as the industry waits to see what the e-commerce giant plans to do with MGM and which top movie-studio exec Amazon will select to run its film business.
Among those whom Variety hears Amazon has spoken with in recent weeks are Netflix film chief Scott Stuber, Paramount Pictures alum Emma Watts and Warner Bros. vet Toby Emmerich. But according to multiple sources familiar with the matter, though Amazon “loved” Watts and doesn’t see Stuber as being interested in this type of role, deliberations are far from over and Amazon still has distance to go before the top film exec is chosen.
Among those whom Variety hears Amazon has spoken with in recent weeks are Netflix film chief Scott Stuber, Paramount Pictures alum Emma Watts and Warner Bros. vet Toby Emmerich. But according to multiple sources familiar with the matter, though Amazon “loved” Watts and doesn’t see Stuber as being interested in this type of role, deliberations are far from over and Amazon still has distance to go before the top film exec is chosen.
- 8/23/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
When Sandra Bullock was first approached by Paramount about producing and starring in The Lost City, an action-adventure romantic comedy that’s an ode to a disappearing genre, she said thanks, but no thanks. However, she couldn’t stop thinking about the project and went back to the studio with a fix: Reverse the roles and make the leading lady more heroic and bold, and infuse the leading man’s character with feminine sensitivities. It was a move Channing Tatum would welcome when joining the movie about a romance author and her cover model who set out on an adventure.
“There weren’t any obstacles for the female character. And the male character we’ve seen before,” Bullock tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I like that I’m not 25,” Bullock, 57, continues. “And I love that there’s a man in it willing to be...
When Sandra Bullock was first approached by Paramount about producing and starring in The Lost City, an action-adventure romantic comedy that’s an ode to a disappearing genre, she said thanks, but no thanks. However, she couldn’t stop thinking about the project and went back to the studio with a fix: Reverse the roles and make the leading lady more heroic and bold, and infuse the leading man’s character with feminine sensitivities. It was a move Channing Tatum would welcome when joining the movie about a romance author and her cover model who set out on an adventure.
“There weren’t any obstacles for the female character. And the male character we’ve seen before,” Bullock tells The Hollywood Reporter. “I like that I’m not 25,” Bullock, 57, continues. “And I love that there’s a man in it willing to be...
- 6/16/2022
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It was a public show of “no hard feelings.”
On Friday, Toby Emmerich had a meal with Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy at the Polo Lounge, a hub of deal-making and power lunches, in a move that was clearly designed to send a signal of solidarity to Hollywood. The bread-breaking, which went down as show business players like producer Donald De Line and CAA agent Joel Lubin dined nearby, came just a day after Emmerich announced that he will step down as head of Warner Bros.’ film studio. De Luca, who worked with Emmerich back in the day at New Line, and Abdy will soon join the company, though in a reduced role; they will oversee Warner Bros. and New Line but will not have control over Warner Bros. Animation and DC Films.
But there might be more on the menu. De Luca and Abdy have told people they...
On Friday, Toby Emmerich had a meal with Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy at the Polo Lounge, a hub of deal-making and power lunches, in a move that was clearly designed to send a signal of solidarity to Hollywood. The bread-breaking, which went down as show business players like producer Donald De Line and CAA agent Joel Lubin dined nearby, came just a day after Emmerich announced that he will step down as head of Warner Bros.’ film studio. De Luca, who worked with Emmerich back in the day at New Line, and Abdy will soon join the company, though in a reduced role; they will oversee Warner Bros. and New Line but will not have control over Warner Bros. Animation and DC Films.
But there might be more on the menu. De Luca and Abdy have told people they...
- 6/7/2022
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Emmerich succeeded De Luca as New Line production head in 2001.
Toby Emmerich will step down this summer as chairman of Warner Bros pictures group and are being replaced by former MGM heads Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy who become co-chairpersons and co-CEOs.
Emmerich gets an exclusive five-year production deal with the studio where he will launch his company focused on film, television and streaming.
The move comes in the wake of the Warner Bros Discovery merger. It was reported that the media giant’s CEO David Zaslav attended the Cannes premiere of Warner Bros’ Elvis with Emmerich.
Screen understands...
Toby Emmerich will step down this summer as chairman of Warner Bros pictures group and are being replaced by former MGM heads Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy who become co-chairpersons and co-CEOs.
Emmerich gets an exclusive five-year production deal with the studio where he will launch his company focused on film, television and streaming.
The move comes in the wake of the Warner Bros Discovery merger. It was reported that the media giant’s CEO David Zaslav attended the Cannes premiere of Warner Bros’ Elvis with Emmerich.
Screen understands...
- 6/1/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Emmerich succeeded De Luca as New Line production head in 2001.
Toby Emmerich will step down this summer as chairman of Warner Bros pictures group and is being replaced by former MGM heads Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy, according to reports.
The move comes in the wake of the Warner Bros Discovery merger. It was reported that the media giant’s CEO David Zaslav attended the Cannes premiere of Warner Bros’ Elvis with Emmerich. However Screen understands that Emmerich was not in favour of Zaslav’s plan to divide Warner Bros into silos comprising Warner Bros and New Line, DC Entertainment,...
Toby Emmerich will step down this summer as chairman of Warner Bros pictures group and is being replaced by former MGM heads Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy, according to reports.
The move comes in the wake of the Warner Bros Discovery merger. It was reported that the media giant’s CEO David Zaslav attended the Cannes premiere of Warner Bros’ Elvis with Emmerich. However Screen understands that Emmerich was not in favour of Zaslav’s plan to divide Warner Bros into silos comprising Warner Bros and New Line, DC Entertainment,...
- 6/1/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Updated: Toby Emmerich is out as the head of Warner Bros. motion picture studio. Replacing him are Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, who recently exited the helm of MGM. This had been rumored since before they exited that studio (they’ll stay into the summer until their contracts expire). This is part of Warner Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s grand plan to split Warner Bros into multiple labels, with Warner Bros proper/New Line, DC Entertainment and Animation.
Facing a new construct where he would have given up oversight of DC and Animation, Emmerich instead chose to step down and right into a lucrative production deal at Warner Bros, given him by Zaslav, so even though Warner Discovery is the home of Game of Thrones, this wasn’t nearly as ruthless. The fates of DC Boss Walter Hamada and the other executives who’ve been loyal to Emmerich, i.
Facing a new construct where he would have given up oversight of DC and Animation, Emmerich instead chose to step down and right into a lucrative production deal at Warner Bros, given him by Zaslav, so even though Warner Discovery is the home of Game of Thrones, this wasn’t nearly as ruthless. The fates of DC Boss Walter Hamada and the other executives who’ve been loyal to Emmerich, i.
- 6/1/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran producer Michael De Luca and his partner Pamela Abdy are in talks to join Warner Bros. Discovery as film executives, multiple insiders familiar with the situation told Variety.
Scenarios being discussed include having De Luca and Abdy launch a movie label within the Warner Bros. Pictures group, or enlisting them to take roles within that division itself. A key negotiating point to securing the pair would be allowing them access to DC Entertainment in some capacity, as producers with rights to develop characters and properties, two sources added. Maximizing DC’s output is a top priority for Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, Variety previously reported, and achieving that does not exclude a creative and management overhaul.
As Zaslav takes control of the media conglomerate, he’s looking at ways to reconfigure or reimagine its film division. That may include restructuring the department in a manner that mirrors what...
Scenarios being discussed include having De Luca and Abdy launch a movie label within the Warner Bros. Pictures group, or enlisting them to take roles within that division itself. A key negotiating point to securing the pair would be allowing them access to DC Entertainment in some capacity, as producers with rights to develop characters and properties, two sources added. Maximizing DC’s output is a top priority for Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, Variety previously reported, and achieving that does not exclude a creative and management overhaul.
As Zaslav takes control of the media conglomerate, he’s looking at ways to reconfigure or reimagine its film division. That may include restructuring the department in a manner that mirrors what...
- 5/6/2022
- by Matt Donnelly and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Much like Commissioner Gordon sends up a bat signal, Warner Bros. has sent up a producer signal.
Now that the studio has completed its merger with Discovery the top brass has admitted that they have yet to fully maximize their superhero IP in a way that Disney has done with its Marvel properties. Ask a common person to name comic book heroes and they’ll likely rattle off Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, but it’s a title like “Guardians of the Galaxy” that cartwheels its way to box office glory and mainstream appeal.
As Variety reports, the studio has concluded they need a “Czar” in charge of all DC Comics IP, a role similar to that of Kevin Feige at Marvel. For a while, comic book scribe Geoff Johns and producer Jon Berg were meant to fill that position, but they were replaced by Walter Hamada in 2018. Under their watch,...
Now that the studio has completed its merger with Discovery the top brass has admitted that they have yet to fully maximize their superhero IP in a way that Disney has done with its Marvel properties. Ask a common person to name comic book heroes and they’ll likely rattle off Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, but it’s a title like “Guardians of the Galaxy” that cartwheels its way to box office glory and mainstream appeal.
As Variety reports, the studio has concluded they need a “Czar” in charge of all DC Comics IP, a role similar to that of Kevin Feige at Marvel. For a while, comic book scribe Geoff Johns and producer Jon Berg were meant to fill that position, but they were replaced by Walter Hamada in 2018. Under their watch,...
- 4/15/2022
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
The new owners of all things Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman are exploring an overhaul of DC Entertainment, multiple sources close to the situation told Variety.
It’s been less than a week since Discovery closed its 43 billion deal for WarnerMedia, joining one of the largest producers of reality programming with one of the most venerable entertainment brands under the new moniker of Warner Bros. Discovery. David Zaslav, the CEO of the combined companies, and top leadership have been toying with the idea of turning DC into its own solidified content vertical, the sources said.
The move would potentially affect DC feature film development in the Warner Bros. Pictures Group, streaming series at Warner Bros. Television, and the creative arm within DC proper — all in an effort to have the disparate elements more closely aligned in order to maximize the value of the superhero stable — one often seen as punching up against Marvel.
It’s been less than a week since Discovery closed its 43 billion deal for WarnerMedia, joining one of the largest producers of reality programming with one of the most venerable entertainment brands under the new moniker of Warner Bros. Discovery. David Zaslav, the CEO of the combined companies, and top leadership have been toying with the idea of turning DC into its own solidified content vertical, the sources said.
The move would potentially affect DC feature film development in the Warner Bros. Pictures Group, streaming series at Warner Bros. Television, and the creative arm within DC proper — all in an effort to have the disparate elements more closely aligned in order to maximize the value of the superhero stable — one often seen as punching up against Marvel.
- 4/14/2022
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: (Updated With More Details) Less than 24 hours after CEO Jason Kilar, HBO Max boss Andy Forssell and Studio chief Ann Sarnoff were pink slipped from the about to disappear WarnerMedia, more executives were shown the door today.
This includes: CFO Jennifer Biry, Jason Kilar’s right hand corp comm person Christy Haubegger who is also the Chief Inclusion Officer, EVP Chief Human Resources Officer Jim Cummings, EVP Chief Revenue Officer Tony Goncalves, EVP General Counsel Jim Meza, and Chief Technology Officer Richard Tom.
This latest series of exits comes about 48 hours before the newly minted Discovery-WarnerMedia merger with Discovery Boss David Zaslav as CEO. Zaslav is a guy who doesn’t like a lot of fat in his corporate structure, and this morning’s massive firing underscores that. The newly merged company looks to debut on Monday on Wall Street, sources tell us.
Staying on for the short-term...
This includes: CFO Jennifer Biry, Jason Kilar’s right hand corp comm person Christy Haubegger who is also the Chief Inclusion Officer, EVP Chief Human Resources Officer Jim Cummings, EVP Chief Revenue Officer Tony Goncalves, EVP General Counsel Jim Meza, and Chief Technology Officer Richard Tom.
This latest series of exits comes about 48 hours before the newly minted Discovery-WarnerMedia merger with Discovery Boss David Zaslav as CEO. Zaslav is a guy who doesn’t like a lot of fat in his corporate structure, and this morning’s massive firing underscores that. The newly merged company looks to debut on Monday on Wall Street, sources tell us.
Staying on for the short-term...
- 4/6/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s a pretty sweet time to be a top executive in Hollywood.
A series of high-profile mergers and acquisitions, and the arrival of some tech giants looking to break into the entertainment business, has put a premium on corporate talent. All industry eyes have turned to Discovery chief David Zaslav to see what he has planned once his company’s merger with WarnerMedia is consummated, and speculation is running rampant about who deep-pocketed streamers Apple and Netflix may be planning to hire.
All of this jockeying is coming as the industry is experiencing a “once-in-a-generation seismic shift in the power structure of the business,” according to one former studio chief. As major media companies have launched in-house streaming services, their hunger for buzzy shows and movies has become insatiable. At the same time, the traditional ways of gauging success, such as ratings and box office, are fading in importance...
A series of high-profile mergers and acquisitions, and the arrival of some tech giants looking to break into the entertainment business, has put a premium on corporate talent. All industry eyes have turned to Discovery chief David Zaslav to see what he has planned once his company’s merger with WarnerMedia is consummated, and speculation is running rampant about who deep-pocketed streamers Apple and Netflix may be planning to hire.
All of this jockeying is coming as the industry is experiencing a “once-in-a-generation seismic shift in the power structure of the business,” according to one former studio chief. As major media companies have launched in-house streaming services, their hunger for buzzy shows and movies has become insatiable. At the same time, the traditional ways of gauging success, such as ratings and box office, are fading in importance...
- 3/9/2022
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Jeremy Kramer out at youth-oriented division after 18 months.
In the latest studio streamlining move Paramount Pictures has absorbed Paramount Players under the leadership of motion picture group co-heads Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
Paramount Players president Jeremy Kramer will step down after 18 months overseeing the division, which was initially set up for current Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins to make youth-oriented films in conjunction with flagship brands under what was then the Viacom stable.
Robbins said the goal of folding Players into the motion picture group was to use the big studio’s “power” to scale the expertise and projects within Players.
In the latest studio streamlining move Paramount Pictures has absorbed Paramount Players under the leadership of motion picture group co-heads Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
Paramount Players president Jeremy Kramer will step down after 18 months overseeing the division, which was initially set up for current Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins to make youth-oriented films in conjunction with flagship brands under what was then the Viacom stable.
Robbins said the goal of folding Players into the motion picture group was to use the big studio’s “power” to scale the expertise and projects within Players.
- 3/9/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Paramount Players is being merged under Paramount Motion Picture Group co-heads Mike Ireland and Daria Cercek. As a result of the strategic realignment, Jeremy Kramer will be stepping down as president of Paramount Players. Kramer previously reported to Paramount Pictures president and CEO Brian Robbins.
“Partnering with our filmmakers across a range of genres and budgets is critical to our studio’s vibrancy and our business’ long-term success,” Robbins said Tuesday. “In uniting Paramount Players within the larger Motion Picture Group, our goal is to optimize the power of one division to scale the expertise and skill set of an incredibly talented team of executives under Daria and Mike.”
Robbins added, “Over the last couple of years, Jeremy has played an integral role in further establishing Players as a youthful, entrepreneurial production arm throughout the industry and within our own company, and I want to thank him for all of his contributions and leadership.
“Partnering with our filmmakers across a range of genres and budgets is critical to our studio’s vibrancy and our business’ long-term success,” Robbins said Tuesday. “In uniting Paramount Players within the larger Motion Picture Group, our goal is to optimize the power of one division to scale the expertise and skill set of an incredibly talented team of executives under Daria and Mike.”
Robbins added, “Over the last couple of years, Jeremy has played an integral role in further establishing Players as a youthful, entrepreneurial production arm throughout the industry and within our own company, and I want to thank him for all of his contributions and leadership.
- 3/8/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
They’re boldly going back.
Paramount is planning to enter negotiations for “Star Trek” stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, John Cho and Simon Pegg to return to the Enterprise for their fourth tour of duty in the venerable sci-fi franchise.
The announcement was made by J.J. Abrams during the Paramount Investors Day Presentation on Feb. 15.
“We are thrilled to say that we are hard at work on a new ‘Star Trek’ film that will be shooting by the end of the year that will be featuring our original cast and some new characters that I think are going to be really fun and exciting and help take ‘Star Trek’ into areas that you’ve just never seen before,” Abrams said. “We’re thrilled about this film, we have a bunch of other stories that we’re talking about that we think will be really exciting, so...
Paramount is planning to enter negotiations for “Star Trek” stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, John Cho and Simon Pegg to return to the Enterprise for their fourth tour of duty in the venerable sci-fi franchise.
The announcement was made by J.J. Abrams during the Paramount Investors Day Presentation on Feb. 15.
“We are thrilled to say that we are hard at work on a new ‘Star Trek’ film that will be shooting by the end of the year that will be featuring our original cast and some new characters that I think are going to be really fun and exciting and help take ‘Star Trek’ into areas that you’ve just never seen before,” Abrams said. “We’re thrilled about this film, we have a bunch of other stories that we’re talking about that we think will be really exciting, so...
- 2/15/2022
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
The somewhat frazzled plot of “Independence Day: Resurgence,” 2016’s big budget sequel to 1996’s seminal summer classic, was a consequence of hastily rewriting the script when Will Smith abruptly dropped out of the film, director Roland Emmerich recently revealed to TheWrap.
There are undoubtedly some impressive set pieces (including a sequence that features a kaiju-sized version of the classic “Independence Day” alien) in the film and Jeff Goldblum, taking center stage, unleashes all his Goldblumian eccentricities to great effect. But there was definitely something missing. And Emmerich agrees.
While speaking to the filmmaker about his new movie “Moonfall” (out everywhere tomorrow), Emmerich talked about the problems he faced while putting “Independence Day: Resurgence” together and how he soldiered on more out of financial obligation than creative exploration.
According to Emmerich, they found themselves in quite a jam when Will Smith, who really entered the movie star realm with the first film,...
There are undoubtedly some impressive set pieces (including a sequence that features a kaiju-sized version of the classic “Independence Day” alien) in the film and Jeff Goldblum, taking center stage, unleashes all his Goldblumian eccentricities to great effect. But there was definitely something missing. And Emmerich agrees.
While speaking to the filmmaker about his new movie “Moonfall” (out everywhere tomorrow), Emmerich talked about the problems he faced while putting “Independence Day: Resurgence” together and how he soldiered on more out of financial obligation than creative exploration.
According to Emmerich, they found themselves in quite a jam when Will Smith, who really entered the movie star realm with the first film,...
- 2/3/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Deadline has learned publicity vet Mia Ammer has departed Paramount as SVP, Corporate Communications of Paramount TV Studios.
We understand Ammer’s position was eliminated. The news comes in the wake of the Studio, which Ammer handled day-to-day communications for, coming under the purview of Showtime CEO David Nevins. Paramount TV Studios, as we previously told you, will continue to be led by its President Nicole Clemens; the division a big supplier to Paramount+.
While Paramount TV Studios isn’t being folded into Showtime Networks, moving forward Erin Calhoun will continue to lead Corporate Communications for both entities as EVP.
Ammer began at Paramount as VP of Corporate Communications in February 2018, reporting directly to Chris Petrikin, who was the studio’s EVP of Global Communications and Corporate Branding. While she initially oversaw the day-to-day corporate communications strategies for both film and TV, more recently Ammer focused on Paramount TV Studios.
We understand Ammer’s position was eliminated. The news comes in the wake of the Studio, which Ammer handled day-to-day communications for, coming under the purview of Showtime CEO David Nevins. Paramount TV Studios, as we previously told you, will continue to be led by its President Nicole Clemens; the division a big supplier to Paramount+.
While Paramount TV Studios isn’t being folded into Showtime Networks, moving forward Erin Calhoun will continue to lead Corporate Communications for both entities as EVP.
Ammer began at Paramount as VP of Corporate Communications in February 2018, reporting directly to Chris Petrikin, who was the studio’s EVP of Global Communications and Corporate Branding. While she initially oversaw the day-to-day corporate communications strategies for both film and TV, more recently Ammer focused on Paramount TV Studios.
- 10/27/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Beverly Hills Hotel and its Polo Lounge are symbols of Hollywood, the intersection of executives, celebrities and the ultimate power lunch. So it was a fitting place for a meeting between Brian Robbins, the newly anointed president and CEO of Paramount Pictures, and Emma Watts, the president of its motion pictures group.
Following the unceremonious ouster of her former boss, veteran studio chief Jim Gianopulos on Sept. 13, the future of Watts became the focus of much speculation around town. Many assumed Robbins would bide his time letting her go, given his lack of experience making big-budget studio event pics....
Following the unceremonious ouster of her former boss, veteran studio chief Jim Gianopulos on Sept. 13, the future of Watts became the focus of much speculation around town. Many assumed Robbins would bide his time letting her go, given his lack of experience making big-budget studio event pics....
- 10/6/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The Beverly Hills Hotel and its Polo Lounge are symbols of Hollywood, the intersection of executives, celebrities and the ultimate power lunch. So it was a fitting place for a meeting between Brian Robbins, the newly anointed president and CEO of Paramount Pictures, and Emma Watts, the president of its motion pictures group.
Following the unceremonious ouster of her former boss, veteran studio chief Jim Gianopulos on Sept. 13, the future of Watts became the focus of much speculation around town. Many assumed Robbins would bide his time letting her go, given his lack of experience making big-budget studio event pics....
Following the unceremonious ouster of her former boss, veteran studio chief Jim Gianopulos on Sept. 13, the future of Watts became the focus of much speculation around town. Many assumed Robbins would bide his time letting her go, given his lack of experience making big-budget studio event pics....
- 10/6/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount Pictures has parted ways with animation president Mireille Soria. In a promotion, Nickelodeon’s Ramsey Naito has added oversight of the label to her purview.
Soria’s exit comes during a continuing reorganization of Paramount Pictures by new chairman and CEO Brian Robbins, who replaced Jim Gianopulos in early September. Emma Watts, the seasoned production executive only a year in her post as president of the Paramount motion picture group, was dismissed last Friday.
“Ramsey is one of the savviest executives and creative minds in our industry. During her time at Nick, she has transformed and reinvigorated the Animation Studio division with her sharp business instincts, deep stable of relationships and unique eye for great storytelling, and I’m thrilled to have her bring her talents to this expanded role where she can further elevate our overall animation business,” Robbins said in a statement.
Soria, he added, “has been...
Soria’s exit comes during a continuing reorganization of Paramount Pictures by new chairman and CEO Brian Robbins, who replaced Jim Gianopulos in early September. Emma Watts, the seasoned production executive only a year in her post as president of the Paramount motion picture group, was dismissed last Friday.
“Ramsey is one of the savviest executives and creative minds in our industry. During her time at Nick, she has transformed and reinvigorated the Animation Studio division with her sharp business instincts, deep stable of relationships and unique eye for great storytelling, and I’m thrilled to have her bring her talents to this expanded role where she can further elevate our overall animation business,” Robbins said in a statement.
Soria, he added, “has been...
- 9/30/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The shake-up continues at Paramount Pictures.
New Paramount president and CEO Brian Robbins announced Thursday that Nickelodeon’s Ramsey Naito will succeed Mireille Soria as animation chief on the movie side.
Naito’s title will be expanded to include serving as president of animation and development of Paramount in addition to continuing to serve as president of animation and development of sister Viacom studio Nickelodeon Animation.
Soria, part of the regime put together by former Paramount chief Jim Gianopulos, is exiting the organization. Robbins succeeded Gianopulous earlier this month. Not long after, motion picture group president Emma Watts was shown the ...
New Paramount president and CEO Brian Robbins announced Thursday that Nickelodeon’s Ramsey Naito will succeed Mireille Soria as animation chief on the movie side.
Naito’s title will be expanded to include serving as president of animation and development of Paramount in addition to continuing to serve as president of animation and development of sister Viacom studio Nickelodeon Animation.
Soria, part of the regime put together by former Paramount chief Jim Gianopulos, is exiting the organization. Robbins succeeded Gianopulous earlier this month. Not long after, motion picture group president Emma Watts was shown the ...
- 9/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The shake-up continues at Paramount Pictures.
New Paramount president and CEO Brian Robbins announced Thursday that Nickelodeon’s Ramsey Naito will succeed Mireille Soria as animation chief on the movie side.
Naito’s title will be expanded to include serving as president of animation and development of Paramount in addition to continuing to serve as president of animation and development of sister Viacom studio Nickelodeon Animation.
Soria, part of the regime put together by former Paramount chief Jim Gianopulos, is exiting the organization. Robbins succeeded Gianopulos earlier this month. Not long after, motion picture group president Emma Watts was shown the ...
New Paramount president and CEO Brian Robbins announced Thursday that Nickelodeon’s Ramsey Naito will succeed Mireille Soria as animation chief on the movie side.
Naito’s title will be expanded to include serving as president of animation and development of Paramount in addition to continuing to serve as president of animation and development of sister Viacom studio Nickelodeon Animation.
Soria, part of the regime put together by former Paramount chief Jim Gianopulos, is exiting the organization. Robbins succeeded Gianopulos earlier this month. Not long after, motion picture group president Emma Watts was shown the ...
- 9/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
On September 24, two weeks after her boss Jim Gianopulos lost his job as chairman and CEO of Paramount Studios to ViacomCBS president of Kids & Family Entertainment Brian Robbins, Paramount Motion Picture Group president Emma Watts followed suit. Two deeply respected executives, the best in the business, politely kicked to the curb.
Of course, your greatest asset can just as easily be your biggest drawback; being “best in the business” can also make it impossible to succeed in the face of a massive paradigm shift like the one faced by ViacomCBS as it tries to create a competitive streaming platform at the 11th hour. IndieWire Editor-in-Chief Dana Harris-Bridson and film reporter Chris Lindahl break it down, along with an argument for why former “Head of the Class” star Robbins might represent the best hope for Paramount+.
Dana Harris-bridson: You’ve been covering Hollywood for a couple of years now, which...
Of course, your greatest asset can just as easily be your biggest drawback; being “best in the business” can also make it impossible to succeed in the face of a massive paradigm shift like the one faced by ViacomCBS as it tries to create a competitive streaming platform at the 11th hour. IndieWire Editor-in-Chief Dana Harris-Bridson and film reporter Chris Lindahl break it down, along with an argument for why former “Head of the Class” star Robbins might represent the best hope for Paramount+.
Dana Harris-bridson: You’ve been covering Hollywood for a couple of years now, which...
- 9/26/2021
- by Dana Harris-Bridson and Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
A “game of chicken” is commonly known as a conflict between two parties where neither wants to yield, but both are hoping to avoid embarrassment and failure.
That seems to be the pervading psychological dynamic right now at Paramount Pictures, as it continues to topple its legacy leadership structure in favor of a streaming-first future under new studio chief Brian Robbins.
“We’re all playing chicken right now,” one insider told Variety, explaining that studio employees are carrying out the work of making movies with no substantive input from Robbins – the former Nickelodeon head who replaced industry statesman Jim Gianopulos as Paramount chairman and CEO earlier this month.
On Friday, Emma Watts, the stalwart production head who was labelled Paramount’s “white knight” when she joined as motion picture group president last summer, was dismissed during a morning meeting with Robbins. The call came after two weeks of Watts trying...
That seems to be the pervading psychological dynamic right now at Paramount Pictures, as it continues to topple its legacy leadership structure in favor of a streaming-first future under new studio chief Brian Robbins.
“We’re all playing chicken right now,” one insider told Variety, explaining that studio employees are carrying out the work of making movies with no substantive input from Robbins – the former Nickelodeon head who replaced industry statesman Jim Gianopulos as Paramount chairman and CEO earlier this month.
On Friday, Emma Watts, the stalwart production head who was labelled Paramount’s “white knight” when she joined as motion picture group president last summer, was dismissed during a morning meeting with Robbins. The call came after two weeks of Watts trying...
- 9/25/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Recent studio recruits Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland will take over under new chairman Brian Robbins.
Paramount Pictures motion picture group president Emma Watts is leaving the studio to be replaced, as group co-heads by current co-presidents of production Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
The moves follow the surprise departure two weeks ago of Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos, now succeeded by Brian Robbins, from the streaming and TV side of studio parent ViacomCBS.
Watts joined Paramount in June 2020, reuniting with Gianopulos after two decades at Twentieth Century Studios, where she became chief executive after the Disney-Fox merger.
Paramount Pictures motion picture group president Emma Watts is leaving the studio to be replaced, as group co-heads by current co-presidents of production Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
The moves follow the surprise departure two weeks ago of Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos, now succeeded by Brian Robbins, from the streaming and TV side of studio parent ViacomCBS.
Watts joined Paramount in June 2020, reuniting with Gianopulos after two decades at Twentieth Century Studios, where she became chief executive after the Disney-Fox merger.
- 9/24/2021
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Following Emma Watts’ departure as President of the Motion Picture Film Group, her Co-Presidents of Production Mike Ireland and Daria Cercek are being elevated to run the film group now as co-heads. Jeremy Kramer will lead Paramount Players.
reporting directly to Brian Robbins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Paramount Pictures, effective immediately. Cercek and Ireland will continue to oversee the studio’s motion picture slate from development through release for Paramount Pictures, as well as leading casting, physical production and post-production. Emma Watts, President of Paramount Motion Picture Group, is leaving the organization.
“Daria and Michael each have built tremendous track records in their careers, and their collective experience has already brought so much benefit to Paramount since joining the organization,” said Robbins. “Paramount also benefited greatly from the deep talents of Emma Watts who, among so many accomplishments, helped build a terrific team at the studio, facilitated overall...
reporting directly to Brian Robbins, President and Chief Executive Officer of Paramount Pictures, effective immediately. Cercek and Ireland will continue to oversee the studio’s motion picture slate from development through release for Paramount Pictures, as well as leading casting, physical production and post-production. Emma Watts, President of Paramount Motion Picture Group, is leaving the organization.
“Daria and Michael each have built tremendous track records in their careers, and their collective experience has already brought so much benefit to Paramount since joining the organization,” said Robbins. “Paramount also benefited greatly from the deep talents of Emma Watts who, among so many accomplishments, helped build a terrific team at the studio, facilitated overall...
- 9/24/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Emma Watts is out as Paramount’s motion picture group president.
Watts exits just over a year in the job, on the heels of her former Fox boss Jim Gianopulos — whose jaw-dropping ouster as Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO shook up Hollywood in early September. Gianopulos was replaced by Brian Robbins, the former head of Viacom’s Nickelodeon label.
In a statement, Robbins said the studio had benefitted greatly from “the deep talents of Emma Watts who, among so many accomplishments, helped build a terrific team at the studio, facilitated overall deals with top-tier talent including John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds, and shepherded a number of exciting upcoming projects including the latest film in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, the newest ‘Transformers’ film, and a star-studded ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ adaptation. We wish her nothing but success in her future.”
Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland will both oversee production in Watts’ absence, reporting directly to Robbins.
Watts exits just over a year in the job, on the heels of her former Fox boss Jim Gianopulos — whose jaw-dropping ouster as Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO shook up Hollywood in early September. Gianopulos was replaced by Brian Robbins, the former head of Viacom’s Nickelodeon label.
In a statement, Robbins said the studio had benefitted greatly from “the deep talents of Emma Watts who, among so many accomplishments, helped build a terrific team at the studio, facilitated overall deals with top-tier talent including John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds, and shepherded a number of exciting upcoming projects including the latest film in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, the newest ‘Transformers’ film, and a star-studded ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ adaptation. We wish her nothing but success in her future.”
Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland will both oversee production in Watts’ absence, reporting directly to Robbins.
- 9/24/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
In what has been heavily expected in the wake of Jim Gianopulos’ departure from Paramount as CEO and Chairman, the studio’s Motion Picture President Emma Watts is leaving the Melrose lot. Deadline has confirmed the news.
Watts has been in the position since July 20, 2020, and rejoined with her former Fox Boss Gianopulos to rebuild Paramount in the wake of dwindling Transformers’ and Star Trek box office revenues and expensive plays from the Brad Grey and Rob Moore era at the studio. The fruits of her labor will be realized next year on the 2022 release calendar, God willing they all remain on the big screen.
Watts’ departure comes at a time when ViacomCBS is pivoting to putting reportedly putting more of its movies on streaming service, Paramount+. Nickelodeon chief Brian Robbins was put in charge by ViacomCBS Chairman Sheri Redstone to take on Gianopulos’ duties and catapult the media conglom into the Ott age.
Watts has been in the position since July 20, 2020, and rejoined with her former Fox Boss Gianopulos to rebuild Paramount in the wake of dwindling Transformers’ and Star Trek box office revenues and expensive plays from the Brad Grey and Rob Moore era at the studio. The fruits of her labor will be realized next year on the 2022 release calendar, God willing they all remain on the big screen.
Watts’ departure comes at a time when ViacomCBS is pivoting to putting reportedly putting more of its movies on streaming service, Paramount+. Nickelodeon chief Brian Robbins was put in charge by ViacomCBS Chairman Sheri Redstone to take on Gianopulos’ duties and catapult the media conglom into the Ott age.
- 9/24/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount executives Daria Cercek and Mike Ireland will become the new co-heads of the studio in the wake of the exit of motion group president Emma Watts, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.
Cercek and Ireland have been co-presidents of film since January 2021 and both reported to Watts. The two have been overseeing upcoming installments of the latest Transformers film, Sandra Bullock’s The Lost City, Damien Chazelle’s period drama Babylon, and a sequel to the hit hybrid animation film Sonic the Hedgehog, among other titles.
Their official roles will be that of co-heads of the motion picture group, reporting directly to Brian Robbins, the ...
Cercek and Ireland have been co-presidents of film since January 2021 and both reported to Watts. The two have been overseeing upcoming installments of the latest Transformers film, Sandra Bullock’s The Lost City, Damien Chazelle’s period drama Babylon, and a sequel to the hit hybrid animation film Sonic the Hedgehog, among other titles.
Their official roles will be that of co-heads of the motion picture group, reporting directly to Brian Robbins, the ...
- 9/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Emma Watts is out at Paramount.
The longtime studio veteran was brought to the Hollywood lot by Jim Gianopulos in the summer of 2020 as the president of the motion picture group, having previously worked with him at 20th Century Fox. Watts’ exit now follows the ouster of Gianopulos as the CEO and chairman of Paramount Pictures at the top of September.
Nickelodeon chief Brian Robbins was tapped by ViacomCBS to run the century-old studio, with the belief being that the studio will pull back on its major theatrical offerings and be refocused to service more features to streaming service Paramount+. Sources note ...
The longtime studio veteran was brought to the Hollywood lot by Jim Gianopulos in the summer of 2020 as the president of the motion picture group, having previously worked with him at 20th Century Fox. Watts’ exit now follows the ouster of Gianopulos as the CEO and chairman of Paramount Pictures at the top of September.
Nickelodeon chief Brian Robbins was tapped by ViacomCBS to run the century-old studio, with the belief being that the studio will pull back on its major theatrical offerings and be refocused to service more features to streaming service Paramount+. Sources note ...
- 9/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Chris Petrikin, Paramount Pictures’ EVP of Global Communications and Corporate Branding, is exiting the studio, according to multiple media reports.
Reps for Paramount and ViacomCBS did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
His departure follows the shakeup at CEO, with Jim Gianopulos set to depart by the end of this year. Petrikin joined Paramount in 2017 and reported to Gianopulos, having previously spent 10 years at Fox as chief communications officer.
It’s possible that others may follow Gianopulos, as other Paramount executives — including Emma Watts, president of Motion Picture Group, and Chris Aronson, president of Domestic Distribution — also worked with Gianopulos at Fox prior to 2017.
On Monday, it was reported that Brian Robbins, the former star of the 1980s sitcom “Head of the Class” and the founder of AwesomenessTV, would be taking over the reins from Gianopulos. Robbins has earned a reputation for his youth-oriented content at Nickelodeon...
Reps for Paramount and ViacomCBS did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
His departure follows the shakeup at CEO, with Jim Gianopulos set to depart by the end of this year. Petrikin joined Paramount in 2017 and reported to Gianopulos, having previously spent 10 years at Fox as chief communications officer.
It’s possible that others may follow Gianopulos, as other Paramount executives — including Emma Watts, president of Motion Picture Group, and Chris Aronson, president of Domestic Distribution — also worked with Gianopulos at Fox prior to 2017.
On Monday, it was reported that Brian Robbins, the former star of the 1980s sitcom “Head of the Class” and the founder of AwesomenessTV, would be taking over the reins from Gianopulos. Robbins has earned a reputation for his youth-oriented content at Nickelodeon...
- 9/17/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Chris Petrikin has stepped down from his role as executive vice president of global communications and corporate branding at Paramount Pictures. His exit comes on the heels of the announcement this week that ViacomCBS is replacing studio chief Jim Gianopulos with Nickelodeon head Brian Robbins. More executives are expected to follow him out the door during the leadership transition.
Petrikin was closely aligned with Gianopulos, with the pair working together for a decade at 20th Century Fox. After Stacey Snider took over the studio, Petrikin left Fox to form a strategic communications and crisis management consultancy.
Petrikin joined Fox in 2007 from the William Morris Agency to oversee corporate communications, media relations, trade advertising, awards campaigns, special events, and charitable activities. He joined William Morris in 2002 after working as a reporter and editor for several publications, including Variety, Daily Variety, Inside.com, and Inside Magazine.
Robbins is being tasked with expanding...
Petrikin was closely aligned with Gianopulos, with the pair working together for a decade at 20th Century Fox. After Stacey Snider took over the studio, Petrikin left Fox to form a strategic communications and crisis management consultancy.
Petrikin joined Fox in 2007 from the William Morris Agency to oversee corporate communications, media relations, trade advertising, awards campaigns, special events, and charitable activities. He joined William Morris in 2002 after working as a reporter and editor for several publications, including Variety, Daily Variety, Inside.com, and Inside Magazine.
Robbins is being tasked with expanding...
- 9/17/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
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