Director cum producer Michael Bay has proven his star-studded worth in the entertainment industry one too many times, especially through the masterpieces he helmed for the multi-billionaire Transformers franchise. That said, the 59-year-old artist seemingly had no intention for his robotic saga to get a crossover with Dwayne Johnson’s $712 million worth G.I. Joe franchise.
Michael Bay. | Credit: Jake’s Takes/YouTube.
Although it may seem surprising, this was Bay’s original decision regarding his franchise when this idea was proposed to him by Brian Robbins, the current CEO of Paramount, and was rightly so for a very understandable reason. However, Robbins seems to have eventually come out victorious over him, considering how a crossover movie between these two sagas is currently in the works.
Michael Bay Never Wanted a Transformers Crossover with Dwayne Johnson’s Saga
G.I. Joe may be considered one of the most critically let-down franchises of all time,...
Michael Bay. | Credit: Jake’s Takes/YouTube.
Although it may seem surprising, this was Bay’s original decision regarding his franchise when this idea was proposed to him by Brian Robbins, the current CEO of Paramount, and was rightly so for a very understandable reason. However, Robbins seems to have eventually come out victorious over him, considering how a crossover movie between these two sagas is currently in the works.
Michael Bay Never Wanted a Transformers Crossover with Dwayne Johnson’s Saga
G.I. Joe may be considered one of the most critically let-down franchises of all time,...
- 6/1/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
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
When movies come out, we grade them with reviews, define them by box office returns or eyeballs on streaming services, and maybe trophies down the line. But every successful, ambitious film starts with a dream, followed by compromise and adversity. Here begins Deadline’s occasional peek into the creative aspirations, and the sweat and blood that propels ambitious films.
The Movie
Bob Marley: One Love
In today’s challenged theatrical marketplace, it’s particularly pleasing when a plan works out. Slotted against an underperforming Madame Web for President’s Day weekend, Paramount Pictures’ Bob Marley: One Love on Wednesday set the Valentine’s Day opening record with a $14 million gross, and the film has a nice chance to eclipse the initial $30 million long weekend projections. Per Rotten Tomatoes, the Paramount film has pleased audiences (95% approval) more than critics (44%), but Reinaldo Marcus Green’s skillfully made biopic of an iconic artist...
The Movie
Bob Marley: One Love
In today’s challenged theatrical marketplace, it’s particularly pleasing when a plan works out. Slotted against an underperforming Madame Web for President’s Day weekend, Paramount Pictures’ Bob Marley: One Love on Wednesday set the Valentine’s Day opening record with a $14 million gross, and the film has a nice chance to eclipse the initial $30 million long weekend projections. Per Rotten Tomatoes, the Paramount film has pleased audiences (95% approval) more than critics (44%), but Reinaldo Marcus Green’s skillfully made biopic of an iconic artist...
- 2/15/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The cast for Parker Finn’s sequel Smile 2 continues to grow, and Deadline reports that Raúl Castillo (Army of the Dead) and Miles Gutierrez-Riley (The Wilds) have signed on.
Kyle Gallner (Smile), Rosemarie DeWitt (“The Staircase”), Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”), Dylan Gelula (Dream Scenario), and Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) also star.
Smile 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Parker Finn signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in the wake of Smile striking it big at the box office, and a sequel to the film was the first order of business.
“Smile’s breakthrough success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,” said Paramount CEO Brian Robbins.
“Parker knows how to keep people on the edge of their seat and we’re happy that we get to keep scaring audiences together,...
Kyle Gallner (Smile), Rosemarie DeWitt (“The Staircase”), Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”), Dylan Gelula (Dream Scenario), and Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) also star.
Smile 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Parker Finn signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in the wake of Smile striking it big at the box office, and a sequel to the film was the first order of business.
“Smile’s breakthrough success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,” said Paramount CEO Brian Robbins.
“Parker knows how to keep people on the edge of their seat and we’re happy that we get to keep scaring audiences together,...
- 2/14/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
The cast for Parker Finn’s upcoming Smile 2 continues to grow, and Deadline reports this afternoon that Dylan Gelula (Dream Scenario) is the latest to come on board.
Kyle Gallner (Smile), Rosemarie DeWitt (“The Staircase”), Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”) and Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) will also star in the Smile sequel.
Smile 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Parker Finn signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in the wake of Smile striking it big at the box office, and a sequel to the film was the first order of business.
“Smile’s breakthrough success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,” said Paramount CEO Brian Robbins.
“Parker knows how to keep people on the edge of their seat and we’re happy that we get to keep scaring audiences together,...
Kyle Gallner (Smile), Rosemarie DeWitt (“The Staircase”), Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”) and Naomi Scott (Power Rangers) will also star in the Smile sequel.
Smile 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Parker Finn signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in the wake of Smile striking it big at the box office, and a sequel to the film was the first order of business.
“Smile’s breakthrough success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,” said Paramount CEO Brian Robbins.
“Parker knows how to keep people on the edge of their seat and we’re happy that we get to keep scaring audiences together,...
- 2/12/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
The sequel doesn’t yet have an official title but Parker Finn is returning to direct Smile 2 for Paramount, and The Wrap reports that Smile star Kyle Gallner will also be back.
Additionally, Rosemarie DeWitt (“The Staircase”) has joined the sequel’s cast, alongside the previously announced Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”) and Naomi Scott (Power Rangers).
Smile 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Parker Finn signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in the wake of Smile striking it big at the box office, and a sequel to the film was the first order of business.
“Smile’s breakthrough success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,” said Paramount CEO Brian Robbins.
“Parker knows how to keep people on the edge of their seat and we’re happy that we get to keep scaring audiences together,...
Additionally, Rosemarie DeWitt (“The Staircase”) has joined the sequel’s cast, alongside the previously announced Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”) and Naomi Scott (Power Rangers).
Smile 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Parker Finn signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in the wake of Smile striking it big at the box office, and a sequel to the film was the first order of business.
“Smile’s breakthrough success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,” said Paramount CEO Brian Robbins.
“Parker knows how to keep people on the edge of their seat and we’re happy that we get to keep scaring audiences together,...
- 1/11/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Parker Finn’s Smile is getting the sequel treatment with the upcoming Smile 2, and Deadline reports that Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”) will join Naomi Scott (Power Rangers).
Smile 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Parker Finn signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in the wake of Smile striking it big at the box office, and a sequel to the film was the first order of business.
“Smile’s breakthrough success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,” said Paramount CEO Brian Robbins.
“Parker knows how to keep people on the edge of their seat and we’re happy that we get to keep scaring audiences together,” Paramount’s Michael Ireland and Daria Cercek added.
Stay tuned for more on Smile 2 as we learn it. The first film scared up...
Smile 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Parker Finn signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in the wake of Smile striking it big at the box office, and a sequel to the film was the first order of business.
“Smile’s breakthrough success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,” said Paramount CEO Brian Robbins.
“Parker knows how to keep people on the edge of their seat and we’re happy that we get to keep scaring audiences together,” Paramount’s Michael Ireland and Daria Cercek added.
Stay tuned for more on Smile 2 as we learn it. The first film scared up...
- 1/10/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Lindsay Lohan looked so fetch while making a surprise appearance at the “Mean Girls” premiere in New York City on Monday night.
The original “Mean Girls” star celebrated the premiere of the musical movie with writer-producer Tina Fey, who reprises her role as Ms. Norbury from the 2004 comedy classic, and Angourie Rice, who takes on the lead role of Cady Heron.
Lohan and Fey were joined by original cast members Daniel Franzese, who starred as Damian, and Rajiv Surendra, who played rapping mathlete Kevin Gnapoor.
Will any of them make a cameo in the film? “I couldn’t possibly say, but we do have some fun cameos,” Fey told Variety on the pink carpet. “Ashley Park is in the movie, Tim [Meadows] is in the movie — we have some fun influencer friends. But you’ll just have to come see it this Friday.”
Tina Fey and Lindsay Lohan attend the “Mean Girls...
The original “Mean Girls” star celebrated the premiere of the musical movie with writer-producer Tina Fey, who reprises her role as Ms. Norbury from the 2004 comedy classic, and Angourie Rice, who takes on the lead role of Cady Heron.
Lohan and Fey were joined by original cast members Daniel Franzese, who starred as Damian, and Rajiv Surendra, who played rapping mathlete Kevin Gnapoor.
Will any of them make a cameo in the film? “I couldn’t possibly say, but we do have some fun cameos,” Fey told Variety on the pink carpet. “Ashley Park is in the movie, Tim [Meadows] is in the movie — we have some fun influencer friends. But you’ll just have to come see it this Friday.”
Tina Fey and Lindsay Lohan attend the “Mean Girls...
- 1/9/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Paramount Pictures’ highly-anticipated adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s novel Children Of Blood And Bone is gaining momentum as Deadline is hearing The Woman King director Gina Prince-Bythewood is coming on to helm. Prince-Bythewood will develop the next pass of a draft penned by Adeyemi.
Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill Entertainment, Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures will produce. Adeyemi and Reggie Rock Bythewood will executive produce.
The project has been a high priority for the studio ever since 2022 when Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group Co-Presidents Daria Cercek and Mike Ireland acquired the rights to the trilogy in a highly-competitive bidding war.
After Lucasfilm let the rights lapse on the series, reps for Adeyemi took it to the market where it had immediate interest. Sources said at the time multiple studios including Universal, Amazon and Netflix were in the mix as the...
Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill Entertainment, Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment and Matt Jackson of Jackson Pictures will produce. Adeyemi and Reggie Rock Bythewood will executive produce.
The project has been a high priority for the studio ever since 2022 when Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group Co-Presidents Daria Cercek and Mike Ireland acquired the rights to the trilogy in a highly-competitive bidding war.
After Lucasfilm let the rights lapse on the series, reps for Adeyemi took it to the market where it had immediate interest. Sources said at the time multiple studios including Universal, Amazon and Netflix were in the mix as the...
- 12/14/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Parker Finn’s Smile, an adaptation of his own short film Laura Hasn’t Slept, will expand its world of horror next year with Smile 2. Deadline reports that Naomi Scott has been set to star in Paramount Pictures’ untitled sequel.
Smile 2 will hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Plot details, of course, are under wraps at this time. In the first film, “After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can’t explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.”
While we can expect the mysterious affliction haunting Rose in Smile will return, the bigger question now is whether Kyle Gallner will return.
I wrote in my review of Finn’s debut, “There’s a familiarity to the curse’s nature and formula,...
Smile 2 will hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Plot details, of course, are under wraps at this time. In the first film, “After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can’t explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.”
While we can expect the mysterious affliction haunting Rose in Smile will return, the bigger question now is whether Kyle Gallner will return.
I wrote in my review of Finn’s debut, “There’s a familiarity to the curse’s nature and formula,...
- 12/14/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Mattel Films, Paramount Pictures, and Temple Hill Entertainment are in the works on a feature take of the American Girl doll line. Lindsey Anderson Beer is attached to write the screenplay and produce.
Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Films, said: “American Girl is a beloved franchise, rich in history and storytelling with millions of devoted fans. Through dolls, books, live experiences, and television movies, the brand has captured hearts for decades. We are excited to continue Mattel Films’ momentum and collaborate with Paramount Pictures, Temple Hill Entertainment, and Lindsey Anderson Beer to bring American Girl to life on the big screen.”
Daria Cercek, Co-President, Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Mattel Films, our friends at Temple Hill, and the incredibly talented Lindsey Anderson Beer to bring American Girl—one of the most iconic doll brands ever—to moviegoers everywhere.
Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Films, said: “American Girl is a beloved franchise, rich in history and storytelling with millions of devoted fans. Through dolls, books, live experiences, and television movies, the brand has captured hearts for decades. We are excited to continue Mattel Films’ momentum and collaborate with Paramount Pictures, Temple Hill Entertainment, and Lindsey Anderson Beer to bring American Girl to life on the big screen.”
Daria Cercek, Co-President, Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Mattel Films, our friends at Temple Hill, and the incredibly talented Lindsey Anderson Beer to bring American Girl—one of the most iconic doll brands ever—to moviegoers everywhere.
- 12/13/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: As we previously told you, Paramount EVP Ashley Brucks has landed the top job at Screen Gems.
She starts Nov. 13.
Here’s the note from Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group Presidents, Josh Greenstein and Sanford Panitch.
Dear colleagues,
While the trades were premature in reporting this, we are excited to let you know that starting November 13, Ashley Brucks will join the Motion Picture Group as President, Screen Gems, guiding production for our genre label.
Ashley has overseen some of the most successful genre films in recent years. She most recently served as Senior EVP and Head of Development at Paramount Players. Over her nearly 15-year tenure at Paramount, she brought in the original Paranormal Activity and went on to oversee all seven installments in the nearly billion-dollar franchise. Ashley also oversaw the critically acclaimed box office hits A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II, along with Scream and Scream VI,...
She starts Nov. 13.
Here’s the note from Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group Presidents, Josh Greenstein and Sanford Panitch.
Dear colleagues,
While the trades were premature in reporting this, we are excited to let you know that starting November 13, Ashley Brucks will join the Motion Picture Group as President, Screen Gems, guiding production for our genre label.
Ashley has overseen some of the most successful genre films in recent years. She most recently served as Senior EVP and Head of Development at Paramount Players. Over her nearly 15-year tenure at Paramount, she brought in the original Paranormal Activity and went on to oversee all seven installments in the nearly billion-dollar franchise. Ashley also oversaw the critically acclaimed box office hits A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II, along with Scream and Scream VI,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
An adaptation of his own short film Laura Hasn’t Slept, Parker Finn’s Smile was a huge horror hit last year, and a sequel is on the way from Paramount next Halloween season.
We’ve learned tonight that Smile 2 will hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Parker Finn signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in the wake of Smile striking it big at the box office, and a sequel to the film was the first order of business.
“Smile’s breakthrough success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,” said Paramount CEO Brian Robbins.
“Parker knows how to keep people on the edge of their seat and we’re happy that we get to keep scaring audiences together,” Paramount’s Michael Ireland and Daria Cercek added.
Stay tuned for more on Smile 2 as we learn it.
We’ve learned tonight that Smile 2 will hit theaters on October 18, 2024.
Parker Finn signed a multi-year, first-look deal with Paramount Pictures in the wake of Smile striking it big at the box office, and a sequel to the film was the first order of business.
“Smile’s breakthrough success is a testament to Parker’s unique and fresh filmmaking, and we are thrilled that he will make Paramount his home,” said Paramount CEO Brian Robbins.
“Parker knows how to keep people on the edge of their seat and we’re happy that we get to keep scaring audiences together,” Paramount’s Michael Ireland and Daria Cercek added.
Stay tuned for more on Smile 2 as we learn it.
- 9/22/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Paul Mescal is a real heartthrob.
In an interview with Variety, Paramount motion picture co-head Daria Cercek shared how the Oscar-nominated actor’s onstage performance in A Screetcar Named Desire helped him land the coveted lead role in Ridley Scott’s upcoming “Gladiator” sequel.
Read More: Paul Mescal Celebrates Big Olivier Awards Win At McDonald’s
“He played Stanley, and there are several moments where he takes off his shirt and it was electric,” Cercek said.
“The ladies in the audience were very vocal and we were like, ‘I think we’ve found our guy,” she added.
The 27-year-old “Aftersun” star played the role of Stanley in the production of the Tennessee Williams play on London’s West End.
Read More: Denzel Washington In Talks To Star Opposite Paul Mescal In Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’ Sequel
Mescal’s casting in “Gladiator 2” was revealed in January. He will be playing Lucius,...
In an interview with Variety, Paramount motion picture co-head Daria Cercek shared how the Oscar-nominated actor’s onstage performance in A Screetcar Named Desire helped him land the coveted lead role in Ridley Scott’s upcoming “Gladiator” sequel.
Read More: Paul Mescal Celebrates Big Olivier Awards Win At McDonald’s
“He played Stanley, and there are several moments where he takes off his shirt and it was electric,” Cercek said.
“The ladies in the audience were very vocal and we were like, ‘I think we’ve found our guy,” she added.
The 27-year-old “Aftersun” star played the role of Stanley in the production of the Tennessee Williams play on London’s West End.
Read More: Denzel Washington In Talks To Star Opposite Paul Mescal In Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’ Sequel
Mescal’s casting in “Gladiator 2” was revealed in January. He will be playing Lucius,...
- 7/27/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Click here to read the full article.
Phil Cohen has joined Paramount Pictures’ Motion Picture Group as senior vp literary affairs.
The announcement was made Thursday by Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland, co-presidents of the studio’s Motion Picture Group. In the newly created role, Cohen, based in New York City, will mine the publishing world for books and other literary properties to option and adapt into movies for Paramount Pictures across its theatrical and streaming platforms.
He joins Paramount from Warner Bros. Entertainment where Cohen was a literary executive for five years, sourcing and developing books, comics, longform articles and podcasts for Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. TV, and HBO Max.
His Warner Bros. acquisitions included Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, which is currently in production with Bong Joon ho writing and directing and Robert Pattinson starring. The book is published by St. Martin, an imprint of Macmillan.
Phil Cohen has joined Paramount Pictures’ Motion Picture Group as senior vp literary affairs.
The announcement was made Thursday by Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland, co-presidents of the studio’s Motion Picture Group. In the newly created role, Cohen, based in New York City, will mine the publishing world for books and other literary properties to option and adapt into movies for Paramount Pictures across its theatrical and streaming platforms.
He joins Paramount from Warner Bros. Entertainment where Cohen was a literary executive for five years, sourcing and developing books, comics, longform articles and podcasts for Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. TV, and HBO Max.
His Warner Bros. acquisitions included Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, which is currently in production with Bong Joon ho writing and directing and Robert Pattinson starring. The book is published by St. Martin, an imprint of Macmillan.
- 10/13/2022
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Phil Cohen has joined Paramount Pictures as Senior Vice President of Literary Affairs. Cohen comes to Paramount from Warner Bros., where he was a literary exec responsible for sourcing and developing books, comics, long-form articles and podcasts for Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. TV and HBO Max.
In his newly created role, Cohen will serve as the studio’s eyes and ears in the publishing world, identifying books and other literary properties to option and adapt into feature films for Paramount Pictures across theatrical and streaming platforms. He assumed the position, which has him based in New York City, today.
“It’s been an incredible year for our studio and as we ramp up our slate for ’24 and beyond, acquiring books that tell great stories and introduce memorable characters into the zeitgeist is an important part of our strategy,” said Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland, who serve as...
In his newly created role, Cohen will serve as the studio’s eyes and ears in the publishing world, identifying books and other literary properties to option and adapt into feature films for Paramount Pictures across theatrical and streaming platforms. He assumed the position, which has him based in New York City, today.
“It’s been an incredible year for our studio and as we ramp up our slate for ’24 and beyond, acquiring books that tell great stories and introduce memorable characters into the zeitgeist is an important part of our strategy,” said Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland, who serve as...
- 10/13/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Director Olivia Wilde’s psychological thriller Don’t Worry, Darling is getting a theatrical release on September 23rd, and with just over a week to go until the movie reaches the big screen a new poster has been unveiled. This one was designed exclusively for Dolby Cinemas, and you can check it out at the bottom of this article.
Written by Carey and Shane Van Dyke, with rewrites by Wilde and Katie Silberman, Don’t Worry, Darling is set “in an isolated, utopian community in the 1950s California desert”. It’s about what happens when “a 1950s housewife living with her husband in a utopian experimental community begins to worry that his glamorous company may be hiding disturbing secrets.”
Here’s the lengthy official synopsis:
Alice and Jack are lucky to be living in the idealized community of Victory, the experimental company town housing the men who work for the top-secret Victory Project and their families.
Written by Carey and Shane Van Dyke, with rewrites by Wilde and Katie Silberman, Don’t Worry, Darling is set “in an isolated, utopian community in the 1950s California desert”. It’s about what happens when “a 1950s housewife living with her husband in a utopian experimental community begins to worry that his glamorous company may be hiding disturbing secrets.”
Here’s the lengthy official synopsis:
Alice and Jack are lucky to be living in the idealized community of Victory, the experimental company town housing the men who work for the top-secret Victory Project and their families.
- 9/14/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Update: Shia Labeouf has denied that he was fired from Don’t Worry, Darling by Olivia Wilde, instead saying that he chose to drop out of the project due to a lack of rehearsal time. He provided Variety with text, video, and email to back up his version of the story, and you can read about those Here. In the email he writes, “firing me never took place, Olivia. And while I fully understand the attractiveness of pushing that story because of the current social landscape, the social currency that brings. It is not the truth.”
More on this to come, but in the meantime Don’t Worry Darling is still set to debut at the Venice Film Festival next week,
The original article follows:
Back in April of 2020, it was announced that Shia Labeouf (Fury) would be starring alongside Florence Pugh (Midsommar) in director Olivia Wilde’s psychological thriller Don’t Worry, Darling.
More on this to come, but in the meantime Don’t Worry Darling is still set to debut at the Venice Film Festival next week,
The original article follows:
Back in April of 2020, it was announced that Shia Labeouf (Fury) would be starring alongside Florence Pugh (Midsommar) in director Olivia Wilde’s psychological thriller Don’t Worry, Darling.
- 8/26/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Paramount’s Sonic The Hedgehog 2 has crossed the 400M threshold at the global box office, including 190.6M from domestic and 209.5M internationally through Tuesday. It is currently the No. 8 film worldwide in 2022 and is likely to jump up a few notches as it still has Japan and Hong Kong to release. At Paramount’s CineEurope presentation today, a threequel was touted.
The little blue critter’s sequel initially got off to a fast-breaking early overseas start in late March and added markets over several months.
Its Top 5 offshore markets to date are the UK (34.3M), Mexico (22.1M), France (17.3M), Australia (16.6M) and Brazil (12M).
Domestically, Sonic 2 debuted in April with 71M, outstripping the three-day opening results of the 2020 original movie which had bowed over a holiday weekend.
The first film ultimately grossed 171M overseas and nearly 320M global, but also got its legs cut short as the Coronavirus crisis was just beginning.
The little blue critter’s sequel initially got off to a fast-breaking early overseas start in late March and added markets over several months.
Its Top 5 offshore markets to date are the UK (34.3M), Mexico (22.1M), France (17.3M), Australia (16.6M) and Brazil (12M).
Domestically, Sonic 2 debuted in April with 71M, outstripping the three-day opening results of the 2020 original movie which had bowed over a holiday weekend.
The first film ultimately grossed 171M overseas and nearly 320M global, but also got its legs cut short as the Coronavirus crisis was just beginning.
- 6/22/2022
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline 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
Click here to read the full article.
A new normal has descended on Hollywood as studios keep mining their intellectual property archives: tap into the huge gold mine nostalgia can provide at the box office by going back and casting original franchise actors in an umpteenth sequel or reboot. Look no farther than the success of Sony and Marvel’s Spider-Man: No Way Home — which features prior Spidey stars Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield alongside current Spider-Man Tom Holland — or Paramount’s Tom Cruise sequel Top Gun: Maverick.
“Toying with legacy characters can be a fantastic weapon and is shorthand with the audience. It invokes a love for the original and sort of promises that it will carry over into this version of it,” says Michael Ireland, who is co-president of Paramount’s Motion Picture Group alongside Daria Cercek.
“Authenticity is the real McCoy. The choices are so vast now from a content perspective,...
A new normal has descended on Hollywood as studios keep mining their intellectual property archives: tap into the huge gold mine nostalgia can provide at the box office by going back and casting original franchise actors in an umpteenth sequel or reboot. Look no farther than the success of Sony and Marvel’s Spider-Man: No Way Home — which features prior Spidey stars Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield alongside current Spider-Man Tom Holland — or Paramount’s Tom Cruise sequel Top Gun: Maverick.
“Toying with legacy characters can be a fantastic weapon and is shorthand with the audience. It invokes a love for the original and sort of promises that it will carry over into this version of it,” says Michael Ireland, who is co-president of Paramount’s Motion Picture Group alongside Daria Cercek.
“Authenticity is the real McCoy. The choices are so vast now from a content perspective,...
- 6/7/2022
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: After recently wrapping production on the Pet Sematary origin pic, Paramount is looking to stay in business with writer-director Lindsey Beer as the the multi-hyphenate has entered into a first-look deal with Paramount Pictures to produce, write, and direct feature projects. Beer is already developing several projects under the deal, with several films being kept under wraps. One that isn’t being kept secret is Susie Thunder, which after the studio won a ten-party bidding war, Beer has boarded the movie to develop with Beer producing alongside Epic Magazine’s Arthur Spector, Josh Davis and Josh Bearman. The project is based on the true story of Susan Thunder, one of the first and most infamous hackers in the 1980s.
“We love Lindsey as a writer, director, producer and as a human being. She is a creative force with great commercial instincts and boundless ambition. We are very happy that...
“We love Lindsey as a writer, director, producer and as a human being. She is a creative force with great commercial instincts and boundless ambition. We are very happy that...
- 5/10/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline 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
Paramount Pictures on Tuesday said it will merge its Paramount Players banner into the Paramount Pictures motion picture group under the leadership of co-heads Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
And as a result of the realignment, Paramount Players president Jeremy Kramer will be stepping down from his position. He previously reported to CEO and president 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 in a statement. “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.”
“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 as a result of the realignment, Paramount Players president Jeremy Kramer will be stepping down from his position. He previously reported to CEO and president 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 in a statement. “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.”
“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,...
- 3/8/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Paramount Pictures is calling home its speciality label Paramount Players, folding the lower-budget and genre operation under the stewardship of the studio’s larger motion picture group. As a result of the decision, current Paramount Players chief Jeremy Kramer is exiting his post.
Paramount motion picture group co-heads Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland will run point on the unit moving forward. In light of the reorganization, Cercek and Ireland have promoted three executives — Ashley Brucks, previously senior executive vice president of production, will now serve as Paramount Players head of development. Jonathan Gonda and Vanessa Joyce will both be promoted to EVPs of production, having previously served as SVPs.
“Partnering with our filmmakers across a range of genres and budgets is critical to our studio’s vibrancy and our business’ long-term success,” Paramount president and CEO Brian Robbins said of the move. “In uniting Paramount Players within the larger motion picture group,...
Paramount motion picture group co-heads Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland will run point on the unit moving forward. In light of the reorganization, Cercek and Ireland have promoted three executives — Ashley Brucks, previously senior executive vice president of production, will now serve as Paramount Players head of development. Jonathan Gonda and Vanessa Joyce will both be promoted to EVPs of production, having previously served as SVPs.
“Partnering with our filmmakers across a range of genres and budgets is critical to our studio’s vibrancy and our business’ long-term success,” Paramount president and CEO Brian Robbins said of the move. “In uniting Paramount Players within the larger motion picture group,...
- 3/8/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
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
Exclusive: Following a bidding war that saw several major players in the mix, Paramount Pictures has landed the rights to the Children of Blood and Bone trilogy, the action fantasy film based on the bestselling YA novels by Tomi Adeyemi.
Adeyemi will adapt, pen the script and also executive produce. Paramount Pictures is fast-tracking this big-screen adaptation with Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill Entertainment and Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment producing. Children of Blood and Bone and its sequel Children of Virtue and Vengeance are published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, a Macmillan imprint, and sources say the third and final book in the trilogy will be published in 2023.
“Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone has not only become a phenomenon in the YA world, it has transformed every expectation of what world-building fantasy can be,” said Co-President of Paramount Pictures Motion Group Daria Cercek.
Adeyemi will adapt, pen the script and also executive produce. Paramount Pictures is fast-tracking this big-screen adaptation with Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill Entertainment and Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment producing. Children of Blood and Bone and its sequel Children of Virtue and Vengeance are published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, a Macmillan imprint, and sources say the third and final book in the trilogy will be published in 2023.
“Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone has not only become a phenomenon in the YA world, it has transformed every expectation of what world-building fantasy can be,” said Co-President of Paramount Pictures Motion Group Daria Cercek.
- 1/12/2022
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline 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
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
Exclusive: Deadline has the first exclusive track from the score for Those Who Wish Me Dead, composed by Brian Tyler.
WaterTower Music will release the full 17-track soundtrack for the New Line thriller, starring Oscar winner Angelina Jolie, on May 7.
Directed by Oscar-nominated writer-director Taylor Sheridan, the film centers on Hannah (Jolie), a smokejumper still reeling from the loss of three lives she failed to save from a fire, when she comes across Connor (Finn Little), a traumatized 12-year-old boy with nowhere else to turn.
A multiple Emmy and BAFTA Award nominee, who has served as a composer and conductor on more than 70 feature films, Tyler boarded the project after collaborating with Sheridan on his acclaimed Paramount Network drama, Yellowstone.
Sheridan turned to Tyler, given his ability to tap into both intense action and genuine emotion through his music.
WaterTower Music will release the full 17-track soundtrack for the New Line thriller, starring Oscar winner Angelina Jolie, on May 7.
Directed by Oscar-nominated writer-director Taylor Sheridan, the film centers on Hannah (Jolie), a smokejumper still reeling from the loss of three lives she failed to save from a fire, when she comes across Connor (Finn Little), a traumatized 12-year-old boy with nowhere else to turn.
A multiple Emmy and BAFTA Award nominee, who has served as a composer and conductor on more than 70 feature films, Tyler boarded the project after collaborating with Sheridan on his acclaimed Paramount Network drama, Yellowstone.
Sheridan turned to Tyler, given his ability to tap into both intense action and genuine emotion through his music.
- 5/6/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Pictures has hired Mika Pryce as senior VP of production.
She begins her new position on April 26 and will report to the motion picture group’s co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up,” Cercek and Ireland said in a statement. “We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition to our team.”
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company This Radicle Acts. During her time as head of development, she oversaw the development of several TV shows including the HBO Max series “Max,” a dark comedy about mental heath from Camilla Blackett; an adaptation of A. Lee Martinez’s 2009 fantasy fiction novel “Monster”; and “War,” about the formation of the Bloods and Crips gangs.
She begins her new position on April 26 and will report to the motion picture group’s co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up,” Cercek and Ireland said in a statement. “We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition to our team.”
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company This Radicle Acts. During her time as head of development, she oversaw the development of several TV shows including the HBO Max series “Max,” a dark comedy about mental heath from Camilla Blackett; an adaptation of A. Lee Martinez’s 2009 fantasy fiction novel “Monster”; and “War,” about the formation of the Bloods and Crips gangs.
- 4/21/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Pictures has hired Mika Pryce as SVP Production for its Motion Picture Group. She starts on April 26 and reports to Motion Picture Group co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up,” Cercek and Ireland said Wednesday. “We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition to our team.”
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company This Radicle Act Productions, where she served as head of development. There she oversaw the development of several television projects including Max, a dark comedy about mental health created by Camilla Blackett and set at HBO Max; an adaptation of A. Lee Martinez’s 2009 fantasy fiction novel Monster; They Can’t Kill Us All, about the formation of Black Lives Matter,...
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up,” Cercek and Ireland said Wednesday. “We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition to our team.”
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company This Radicle Act Productions, where she served as head of development. There she oversaw the development of several television projects including Max, a dark comedy about mental health created by Camilla Blackett and set at HBO Max; an adaptation of A. Lee Martinez’s 2009 fantasy fiction novel Monster; They Can’t Kill Us All, about the formation of Black Lives Matter,...
- 4/21/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Pictures has tapped Mika Pryce to join the studio as senior vp production for the Motion Picture Group.
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company, This Radicle Act Productions, where she served as head of development. From April 26, she will report to Motion Picture Group co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up. We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition ...
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company, This Radicle Act Productions, where she served as head of development. From April 26, she will report to Motion Picture Group co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up. We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition ...
- 4/21/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paramount Pictures has tapped Mika Pryce to join the studio as senior vp production for the Motion Picture Group.
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company, This Radicle Act Productions, where she served as head of development. From April 26, she will report to Motion Picture Group co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up. We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition ...
Pryce joins Paramount from Don Cheadle’s production company, This Radicle Act Productions, where she served as head of development. From April 26, she will report to Motion Picture Group co-presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
“Mika has fantastic talent relationships, excellent taste and knows how to build a movie from the ground up. We’re excited to have her bring her entrepreneurial skill set to the studio to help us tell great stories for global audiences. She is the perfect addition ...
- 4/21/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Stephanie Ito will step down as president of post-production at Paramount Pictures, continuing a series of changes of the studio’s leadership over the past year as physical production head Lee Rosenthal also announced his departure this week.
Ito joined Paramount in 2006 and rose to become the first woman to head post-production at a major studio. She has also pushed for diversity in Hollywood, serving as executive co-chair of Viacom’s Asian Media Professionals group. In her time at Paramount, she has worked on post-production on all of the studio’s “Transformers” films as well as on installments of the “Mission: Impossible” series and both “A Quiet Place” and its upcoming sequel.
“I am so thankful for my time at the studio. I could have never imagined having the opportunity to work with such amazing colleagues, directors, producers, and craftspeople. It has been an honor,” Ito wrote in a memo announcing her departure.
Ito joined Paramount in 2006 and rose to become the first woman to head post-production at a major studio. She has also pushed for diversity in Hollywood, serving as executive co-chair of Viacom’s Asian Media Professionals group. In her time at Paramount, she has worked on post-production on all of the studio’s “Transformers” films as well as on installments of the “Mission: Impossible” series and both “A Quiet Place” and its upcoming sequel.
“I am so thankful for my time at the studio. I could have never imagined having the opportunity to work with such amazing colleagues, directors, producers, and craftspeople. It has been an honor,” Ito wrote in a memo announcing her departure.
- 3/17/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Veteran studio executive Lee Rosenthal is leaving Paramount Pictures, it was announced internally on Tuesday.
In a memo from Paramount Motion Picture Group President Emma Watts, staff was informed that Rosenthal was “departing Paramount Pictures to pursue other opportunities.” His most recent title was head of physical production.
“Lee has been a driving force in many of the company’s past and recent successes, including ‘The Big Short,’ ‘Rocketman,’ and such franchises as ‘Mission: Impossible,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Paranormal’ and ‘Transformers,’ among many others,” Watts wrote. His next steps and potential replacement were not immediately clear.
Watts, the stalwart 20th Century Fox production president who enjoyed a brief stint at Disney following its historic acquisition of 20th’s assets, reunited with Paramount Pictures CEO Jim Gianopulos last year. She recently named Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland as co-presidents of her division at Paramount, tasked with rebooting the “Tranformers” and “Star Trek” cinematic franchises,...
In a memo from Paramount Motion Picture Group President Emma Watts, staff was informed that Rosenthal was “departing Paramount Pictures to pursue other opportunities.” His most recent title was head of physical production.
“Lee has been a driving force in many of the company’s past and recent successes, including ‘The Big Short,’ ‘Rocketman,’ and such franchises as ‘Mission: Impossible,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Paranormal’ and ‘Transformers,’ among many others,” Watts wrote. His next steps and potential replacement were not immediately clear.
Watts, the stalwart 20th Century Fox production president who enjoyed a brief stint at Disney following its historic acquisition of 20th’s assets, reunited with Paramount Pictures CEO Jim Gianopulos last year. She recently named Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland as co-presidents of her division at Paramount, tasked with rebooting the “Tranformers” and “Star Trek” cinematic franchises,...
- 3/16/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Paramount Pictures won a brisk auction to acquire the Gabrielle Zevin novel Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow for $2 million. Temple Hill’s Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey and Isaac Klausner will produce w, and the author will write the script. Movie deal came right after a seven-figure North American rights deal from Knopf last week, in partnership with Penguin Canada. Chatto & Windus preempted the book in the UK 24 hours after it was submitted in London, and translation deals are in the process of being closed around the world. The book will be published sometime in the first half of 2022.
To Motion Pictures Group president Emma Watts, the book fit what Paramount is trying to do, which is to find new voices that will attract A-list filmmakers. The auction was exceptional. There were upwards of 25 offers from TV and film. Several hit the $2 million ceiling for the outright purchase, and it...
To Motion Pictures Group president Emma Watts, the book fit what Paramount is trying to do, which is to find new voices that will attract A-list filmmakers. The auction was exceptional. There were upwards of 25 offers from TV and film. Several hit the $2 million ceiling for the outright purchase, and it...
- 2/8/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Wes Ball and his Oddball Entertainment banner are moving into a first-look deal at Paramount Pictures. It reunites him with Emma Watts, the Paramount Motion Pictures Group President who gave Ball his start when she headed Fox and he directed the Maze Runner trilogy for the studio.
Ball runs Oddball with Joe Hartwick Jr, and creative execs Henry Wyler and Mara Gagnon stay at a company whose deal at 20th Century Studios expired.
Mike Ireland and Daria Cercek, the recently named Paramount co-presidents said: “We’re are so happy to be able to partner with Wes and Joe as they bring their unique vision and craftsmanship to Paramount Pictures. Together, we will draw on our existing IP and library titles to reimagine beloved properties, as well as build original worlds like Wes has done so amazingly in the past. We can’t wait to see what comes of this collaboration.
Ball runs Oddball with Joe Hartwick Jr, and creative execs Henry Wyler and Mara Gagnon stay at a company whose deal at 20th Century Studios expired.
Mike Ireland and Daria Cercek, the recently named Paramount co-presidents said: “We’re are so happy to be able to partner with Wes and Joe as they bring their unique vision and craftsmanship to Paramount Pictures. Together, we will draw on our existing IP and library titles to reimagine beloved properties, as well as build original worlds like Wes has done so amazingly in the past. We can’t wait to see what comes of this collaboration.
- 1/22/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Pair report to motion picture group president Emma Watts.
Paramount Pictures has named former New Line Cinema executive Daria Cercek and former 20th Century Studios executive Michael Ireland co-presidents of the studio.
Ireland joined in late November and Cercek will start effective January 11. Both report to Paramount Pictures motion picture group president Emma Watts.
The co-presidents will oversee the slate and operations from development through production. Upcoming projects include Lost City Of D, the Sonic The Hedgehog sequel, and Transformers and Star Trek franchises.
At New Line Cercek served as executive vice-president of production and development and oversaw titles including...
Paramount Pictures has named former New Line Cinema executive Daria Cercek and former 20th Century Studios executive Michael Ireland co-presidents of the studio.
Ireland joined in late November and Cercek will start effective January 11. Both report to Paramount Pictures motion picture group president Emma Watts.
The co-presidents will oversee the slate and operations from development through production. Upcoming projects include Lost City Of D, the Sonic The Hedgehog sequel, and Transformers and Star Trek franchises.
At New Line Cercek served as executive vice-president of production and development and oversaw titles including...
- 1/7/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Paramount has named former New Line Cinema executive Daria Cercek and former 20th Century Studios executive Michael Ireland as co-presidents of production, reporting to Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group president Emma Watts. Ireland joined the studio in late November, and Cercek will begin her position effective January 11.
Deadline first reported in November that Ireland was in line for the job, along with the news Jeremy Kramer would run Paramount Players.
As co-presidents of Paramount Pictures, Cercek and Ireland will work alongside Watts to oversee the studio’s slate and film operations from development through production, including high-profile upcoming projects as the newest film in the Transformers and Star Trek franchises, Lost City of D, and a sequel to the hit Sonic the Hedgehog among others.
“I’m thrilled to be working again with both Daria and Mike. The key to success is having the right team, and having watched Daria...
Deadline first reported in November that Ireland was in line for the job, along with the news Jeremy Kramer would run Paramount Players.
As co-presidents of Paramount Pictures, Cercek and Ireland will work alongside Watts to oversee the studio’s slate and film operations from development through production, including high-profile upcoming projects as the newest film in the Transformers and Star Trek franchises, Lost City of D, and a sequel to the hit Sonic the Hedgehog among others.
“I’m thrilled to be working again with both Daria and Mike. The key to success is having the right team, and having watched Daria...
- 1/7/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Paramount Pictures named former New Line Cinema executive Daria Cercek and former 20th Century Studios executive Michael Ireland as co-presidents of production at the studio Thursday.
Both Cercek and Ireland will report to Paramount motion picture group president Emma Watts. Ireland joined the studio in late November, and Cercek begins her position effective Jan. 11.
“I’m thrilled to be working again with both Daria and Mike,” Watts said in a statement. “The key to success is having the right team, and having watched Daria and Mike grow over the years, I am quite confident their combined creativity, enthusiasm and extensive talent relationships will be a huge windfall for Paramount. They believe passionately in people and projects, which makes for better films.”
Cercek joins Paramount from New Line Cinema, where she served as executive vice president of production and development. In her role, she most recently oversaw Olivia Wilde’s upcoming...
Both Cercek and Ireland will report to Paramount motion picture group president Emma Watts. Ireland joined the studio in late November, and Cercek begins her position effective Jan. 11.
“I’m thrilled to be working again with both Daria and Mike,” Watts said in a statement. “The key to success is having the right team, and having watched Daria and Mike grow over the years, I am quite confident their combined creativity, enthusiasm and extensive talent relationships will be a huge windfall for Paramount. They believe passionately in people and projects, which makes for better films.”
Cercek joins Paramount from New Line Cinema, where she served as executive vice president of production and development. In her role, she most recently oversaw Olivia Wilde’s upcoming...
- 1/7/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Paramount’s motion picture group president Emma Watts has bolstered her team with two new co-presidents — Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.
Cercek comes from New Line Cinema and will start her post on Jan. 11. Ireland moved to the iconic Hollywood lot last November from 20th Century Studios.
As co-presidents of Paramount Pictures, Cercek and Ireland will work alongside Watts to oversee the slate and operations from development through production, including upcoming installments of the “Transformers” and “Star Trek” franchises. They’ll also work on Sandra Bullock’s “Lost City of D” and a sequel to the hit hybrid animation “Sonic the Hedgehog.”
Both former colleagues of Watts at Fox, the executive said she was “thrilled to be working again with both Daria and Mike. The key to success is having the right team, and having watched Daria and Mike grow over the years, I am quite confident their combined creativity,...
Cercek comes from New Line Cinema and will start her post on Jan. 11. Ireland moved to the iconic Hollywood lot last November from 20th Century Studios.
As co-presidents of Paramount Pictures, Cercek and Ireland will work alongside Watts to oversee the slate and operations from development through production, including upcoming installments of the “Transformers” and “Star Trek” franchises. They’ll also work on Sandra Bullock’s “Lost City of D” and a sequel to the hit hybrid animation “Sonic the Hedgehog.”
Both former colleagues of Watts at Fox, the executive said she was “thrilled to be working again with both Daria and Mike. The key to success is having the right team, and having watched Daria and Mike grow over the years, I am quite confident their combined creativity,...
- 1/7/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Film executive Daria Cercek is moving to Paramount, where she will act as co-president of film.
She joins film co-president Michael Ireland, who joined the studio in November. Both will report to Paramount’s motion picture group president Emma Watts. Cercek will begin her position effective January 11.
According to the studio, Cercek and Ireland will work alongside Watts to oversee the studio’s slate and film operations from development through production, including high-profile upcoming projects as the newest films in the Transformers and Star Trek franchises, Lost City of D and a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog, among others.
Said Watts in ...
She joins film co-president Michael Ireland, who joined the studio in November. Both will report to Paramount’s motion picture group president Emma Watts. Cercek will begin her position effective January 11.
According to the studio, Cercek and Ireland will work alongside Watts to oversee the studio’s slate and film operations from development through production, including high-profile upcoming projects as the newest films in the Transformers and Star Trek franchises, Lost City of D and a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog, among others.
Said Watts in ...
Film executive Daria Cercek is moving to Paramount, where she will act as co-president of film.
She joins film co-president Michael Ireland, who joined the studio in November. Both will report to Paramount’s motion picture group president Emma Watts. Cercek will begin her position effective January 11.
According to the studio, Cercek and Ireland will work alongside Watts to oversee the studio’s slate and film operations from development through production, including high-profile upcoming projects as the newest films in the Transformers and Star Trek franchises, Lost City of D and a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog, among others.
Said Watts in ...
She joins film co-president Michael Ireland, who joined the studio in November. Both will report to Paramount’s motion picture group president Emma Watts. Cercek will begin her position effective January 11.
According to the studio, Cercek and Ireland will work alongside Watts to oversee the studio’s slate and film operations from development through production, including high-profile upcoming projects as the newest films in the Transformers and Star Trek franchises, Lost City of D and a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog, among others.
Said Watts in ...
Richard Lovett, Kevin Huvane, Bryan Lourd continue as CAA co-chairmen.
CAA said on Thursday (January 7) that CFO James Burtson has been promoted to president while former COO of PwC Carol Sawdye is joining as CFO.
Richard Lovett, Kevin Huvane and Bryan Lourd will continue in their roles as CAA co-chairmen. The agency recently hired Sharoni Little as head of global inclusion strategy and brought on Tyrone Bland to lead US government affairs.
In addition to overseeing Sawdye, Burtson will lead strategy for the growth and evolution of CAA’s representation business and continued diversification of the company.
Burtson joined CAA...
CAA said on Thursday (January 7) that CFO James Burtson has been promoted to president while former COO of PwC Carol Sawdye is joining as CFO.
Richard Lovett, Kevin Huvane and Bryan Lourd will continue in their roles as CAA co-chairmen. The agency recently hired Sharoni Little as head of global inclusion strategy and brought on Tyrone Bland to lead US government affairs.
In addition to overseeing Sawdye, Burtson will lead strategy for the growth and evolution of CAA’s representation business and continued diversification of the company.
Burtson joined CAA...
- 1/7/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Richard Lovett, Kevin Huvane and Bryan Lourd continue as CAA co-chairmen.
CAA said on Thursday (January 7) that CFO James Burtson has been promoted to president while former COO of PwC’s global network of companies delivering advisory, tax and assurance services is joining as CFO.
Richard Lovett, Kevin Huvane and Bryan Lourd will continue in their roles as CAA co-chairmen. The agency recently hired Sharoni Little as head of global inclusion strategy and brought on Tyrone Bland to lead US government affairs.
In addition to overseeing Sawdye, Burtson will lead strategy for the growth and evolution of CAA’s representation...
CAA said on Thursday (January 7) that CFO James Burtson has been promoted to president while former COO of PwC’s global network of companies delivering advisory, tax and assurance services is joining as CFO.
Richard Lovett, Kevin Huvane and Bryan Lourd will continue in their roles as CAA co-chairmen. The agency recently hired Sharoni Little as head of global inclusion strategy and brought on Tyrone Bland to lead US government affairs.
In addition to overseeing Sawdye, Burtson will lead strategy for the growth and evolution of CAA’s representation...
- 1/7/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Tim Simons and Ari’el Stachel have joined the cast of the New Line thriller Don’t Worry Darling that Olivia Wilde is directing. They join Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Chris Pine, KiKi Layne and Gemma Chan with Wilde also having a supporting role in the film.
Although little is known about the movie’s plot, Don’t Worry Darling is set in an isolated, utopian community in the 1950s California desert. Katie Silberman wrote the screenplay based on a spec script by Shane and Carey Van Dyke.
New Line won Don’t Worry Darling in a highly competitive situation that saw up to 18 bidders vying for the project. The project is being overseen by studio execs Richard Brener, Daria Cercek and Celia Khong.
Catherine Hardwicke is executive producing the film alongside Shane and Carey Van Dyke. Wilde and Silberman will produce along with Roy Lee and Miri Yoon of Vertigo Entertainment.
Although little is known about the movie’s plot, Don’t Worry Darling is set in an isolated, utopian community in the 1950s California desert. Katie Silberman wrote the screenplay based on a spec script by Shane and Carey Van Dyke.
New Line won Don’t Worry Darling in a highly competitive situation that saw up to 18 bidders vying for the project. The project is being overseen by studio execs Richard Brener, Daria Cercek and Celia Khong.
Catherine Hardwicke is executive producing the film alongside Shane and Carey Van Dyke. Wilde and Silberman will produce along with Roy Lee and Miri Yoon of Vertigo Entertainment.
- 10/29/2020
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
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