LOS ANGELES, April 26, 2024 – Former Paramount Pictures co-CEO Brian Robbins is launching a new production company focused on family-pleasant animated and live-action content, backed by approximately $100 million in funding. The venture aims to identify future blockbuster films through data-driven insights from platforms like YouTube and shortform video, a strategy that feels both familiar and forward-thinking in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
A Second act for the Awesomeness TV Architect
Robbins is returning to his roots in digital content creation, but with the backing of a major studio.
- Robbins’ new company will develop content for digital platforms, with Sony Pictures handling theatrical releases.
- Sony is a minority investor in the venture, with CAA and other financiers also contributing.
- The company’s strategy centers on leveraging streaming analytics to identify potential film franchises.
- robbins previously founded AwesomenessTV, a pioneering YouTube channel for Gen Z.
Robbins will focus on developing content for YouTube and other shortform platforms, intending to evolve successful digital properties into feature films released theatrically by Sony. This approach suggests a belief that streaming analytics can more accurately predict big-screen potential than conventional methods. While Sony is involved, the studio is currently only a minority investor, and final deals with other parties are still being finalized.
This isn’t Robbins’ first foray into the world of digital content. He created the YouTube channel and multi-channel network awesomeness TV in 2012, specifically targeting Gen-Z audiences. He sold Awesomeness TV to DreamWorks Animation in 2013, but the network eventually returned to Viacom after Universal acquired DreamWorks Animation.
Robbins’ career trajectory within Paramount has been marked by a knack for identifying and revitalizing popular children’s properties. He served as President of Paramount Players films in 2017 and was later elevated to President of Nickelodeon in 2018. In September 2021,he succeeded Jim Gianopulos as Chairman and CEO of paramount Pictures,largely due to his success with franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Paw Patrol-the latter of which generated over $2.5 billion in consumer products revenue in 2023 alone.
In april 2024, Robbins was appointed co-CEO of Paramount alongside George Cheeks and Chris McCarthy as the studio faced a potential acquisition by Skydance. Following the completion of the merger this past August, Cheeks remained to oversee the linear networks, while both McCarthy and Robbins departed the company. This new venture represents a swift return to the creative side for Robbins, armed with important funding and a clear vision for the future of family entertainment.
- Robbins’ new company will develop content for digital platforms, with Sony Pictures handling theatrical releases.
Hear’s a breakdown of how the questions were answered and the edits made:
* Why: Robbins launched the company to capitalize on data-driven insights from digital platforms to identify and produce family-friendly content with blockbuster potential. He aims to replicate his success in revitalizing children’s properties.
* Who: Brian Robbins,former co-CEO of Paramount Pictures,is the founder. Sony Pictures is a minority investor, along with CAA and other financiers.
* What: A new production company focused
