Sep 13, 2021

Nickelodeon President Brian Robbins to Acquire Paramount Pictures

Nickelodeon President and CEO Brian Robbins will be promoted. He is expected to become chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures. (Both Nick and Paramount Pictures are owned by ViacomCBS.)

Robbins, 57, will succeed Jim Gianopoulos, 69, who has headed Paramount since 2017. [According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news, ViacomCBS Chairman Shari Redstone had insisted on Robbins' appointment. Sources familiar with the situation told the WSJ that Redstone is "impressed with Robbins' ability to produce and engage younger viewers. Both are key elements in ViacomCBS's efforts to build its Paramount+ streaming service.

About Brian Robbins- Robbins has had a diverse and unconventional career in Hollywood: before taking the top job at Nickelodeon in 2018, he starred in the '80s sitcom "Head of the Class," the eight-time Razzie Award-nominated Eddie Murphy comedy directed "Norbit," created Nick's series "All That," executive produced television shows such as "Smallville" and "Kenan and Kel," co-founded the online media company Awesomeness (later acquired by DreamWorks Animation) and oversaw Paramount Players, the production arm of Paramount Pictures.

What will Robbins' role be at Nick - In addition to his responsibilities at Paramount Pictures, Robbins will also continue as global head of Nickelodeon (including Nick Jr., Nickelodeon Studios, and Nicktoons), overseeing kids' and family content for Paramount+. (including Nick Jr., Nickelodeon Studios, and Nicktoons). [9] [10] How this will affect Paramount Pictures' animated productions - it is too early to say, but Robbins' kid-centric focus and mission to make Paramount+ competitive with Disney+ and Netflix will continue to focus on family-oriented animation. Most recently, Paramount announced two animated feature films based on Nick's IP, "The Spongebob Movie": "Sponge on the Run" and "Paw Patrol": however, the Paramount Animation division, including "Rumble" and "Tiger's Apprentice The company also produces animated films other than Nick. It has also released hybrids like "Sonic the Hedgehog" and the upcoming "Clifford the Big Red Dog."