Former Paramount co-CEO Brian Robbins is embarking on a new venture by launching a family production company focused on both animated and live-action content. The initiative has secured approximately $100 million in funding, with financial backing from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), several investors, and a minority stake from Sony Pictures.
The production company aims to develop content suitable for platforms like YouTube, along with short-form offerings. Robbins plans to leverage streaming analytics as a more reliable gauge for identifying potential feature films, which Sony will handle for theatrical releases. Although discussions are ongoing, some agreements have yet to be finalized among the involved parties.
Robbins is no stranger to the digital landscape; he founded the YouTube channel and multi-channel network Awesomeness TV in 2012, targeting a Gen-Z audience. This venture was sold to DreamWorks Animation in 2013 and later became part of Viacom after Universal acquired DreamWorks. His experience in the industry paved the way for significant roles at Paramount, where he served as President of Paramount Players and was later promoted to President of Nickelodeon in 2018.
In September 2021, Robbins took over as the Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures following the departure of Jim Gianopulos. Under his leadership, he revitalized several franchises, notably the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated film and the Paw Patrol movies, which collectively generated over $2.5 billion in consumer product revenue in 2023 alone.
After being named co-CEO of Paramount in April 2024 alongside George Cheeks and Chris McCarthy, Robbins’ tenure came to an end following the completion of a merger in August 2024. While Cheeks remained to manage the linear networks, Robbins and McCarthy departed from the company. Reports indicated that Robbins had considered acquiring Lionsgate but ultimately chose not to pursue that opportunity.
As Robbins sets forth on this new chapter in his career, the family production company is poised to make an impact in the entertainment industry, particularly in the realm of digital content. With a strong financial foundation and a focus on innovative storytelling, Robbins aims to reshape how animated and live-action projects are developed for modern audiences.
