AwesomenessTV founder Brian Robbins is coming on board with Paramount Pictures in order to run a new youth-focused division.
Paramount Players will be charged with developing and launching films based on Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central and BET brands.
“Brian is a true creative force in the entertainment and digital media industries,” said Paramount CEO Jim Gianopulos in a statement. “We are fortunate to draw from his vast experience to launch a new production paradigm with Paramount Players, which embraces the studio’s history and DNA through its name, but will focus, in distinctive ways, on contemporary talent and properties for young audiences while drawing upon the vast resources of the Viacom brands.”
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Robbins’ hiring comes shortly after Gianopulos was appointed to run the Paramount studio. Gianopulos returned to Paramount after serving 16 years as the CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, watching over 20th Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox International Productions and 20th Century Fox Animation/Blue Sky Studios.
Gianopulos will be overseeing Paramount’s film and television operations worldwide and is expected to set a new strategy for Paramount, including developing new content, strengthening Paramount’s slate with co-branded releases from Viacom flagship brands and expanding the studio’s global footprint, according to a news release.
Viacom recently reported quarterly revenues that were up 8%, which the company partly attributed to improved performance for its films.
“In the second quarter, Viacom delivered continued top-line improvement, with growth in affiliate revenues, international media networks and across every business segment of Paramount Pictures,” said Viacom CEO Bob Bakish in a statement. “Additionally, we executed quickly on our strategic plan, making significant organizational changes to better focus and align Viacom’s brand portfolio and ensure strong leadership, including the appointment of Jim Gianopulos to chart a new course at Paramount.”