Brian Robbins, former co-CEO of Paramount Global, has launched Big Shot Pictures, an entertainment company that will develop animation franchises.
Sony Pictures Entertainment has entered into a first-look theatrical distribution deal with Big Shot, which will produce both animated and hybrid live-action films for the studio. The company said it has acquired the rights to “Eloise at the Plaza,” the children’s book series created by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight about a six-year-old who lives at the legendary New York City hotel.
Robbins has extensive experience in the family entertainment space. He previously oversaw Nickelodeon and co-founded AwesomenessTV, a digital media company that targeted tween audiences and was acquired by DreamWorks Animation. He also founded Tollin/Robbins Productions, which produced hit series such as “All That,” “Kenan & Kel” and “Smallville.”
At Paramount, Robbins tried to reinvigorate the studio’s motion picture division, which produced hits such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “The Naked Gun.” However, his tenure overlapped with Shari Redstone’s efforts to sell the company, which complicated his plans for a rebound. Last year, Paramount struggled at the box office, releasing flops such as “The Running Man” and “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.”
In a press release announcing the new venture, Robbins announced the company has secured strategic investment from Greycroft, Sony Pictures, MarcyPen Capital Partners, ValueAct Capital, and CAA. Big Shot said it is represented by Matthew Johnson of Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole LLP and David Hernand of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
So how is Big Shot different than the many, many companies competing in the the family entertainment space, one of the most durable genres in Hollywood? Some of it is the way it will develop proof of concepts. It plans to use digital platforms such as YouTube to test and build audiences for the intellectual property it develops. If they connect, those franchises will then be reconstituted as long-form theatrical releases and streaming series. The company said it will also develop gaming, consumer products and experiences.
“We will build for how kids actually discover and connect today,” Robbins said in a statement. “The opportunity couldn’t be more clear to us, and the time is now. From reimagining timeless IP to discovering the bold, original ideas by emerging creators, we will work with the most talented artists to bring these stories to life.”
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From Variety US