Former Paramount Global co-CEO Brian Robbins has opened the doors on Big Shot Pictures, a next generation animation company dedicated to family fare. Big Shot secured around $100M in investment from Greycroft, Sony Pictures, MarcyPen Capital Partners, ValueAct Capital, and CAA. We told you that Robbins was brewing a new company back on Jan. 15.
At the same time, Big Shot has entered into a first look theatrical distribution deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment for animated and live-action/animated hybrid features with the new company taking rights to the Kay Thompson 1955 children’s book, Eloise at the Plaza.
Big Shot will launch and nurture content digitally, particularly on YouTube, before such IP is capitalized upon across theatrical, gaming, series, consumer products and experiences. Digital content will be coming from Big Shot as soon as this summer. By partnering with creators, acquiring existing channels, and building new channels, Big Shot will leverage audience data to understand what characters resonate, what storytelling works, and what drives engagement. This digital-first approach allows Big Shot to be nimble and responsive to audience preferences before committing to larger-scale productions.
Robbins did try to make a go at Lionsgate, however, at the end of the day, his passion lied in launching a non-traditional studio similar to the Gen-Z digital and TV studio he founded, Awesomeness TV which was ultimately at the end of the day sold to Viacom. Post Paramount, Robbins observed at how people, particularly the 6-12 demo, were consuming content, and what was working and not working.
“Big Shot believes that scaled audiences on YouTube are crucial to building awareness and fan love that will create tomorrow’s beloved IP. We will build for how kids actually discover and connect today,” said Robbins. “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.”
Eloise at the Plaza, which was illustrated by Hilary Knight, follows a precocious six-year-old who lives at New York’s legendary Plaza Hotel. The book has sold over 15 million English language copies sold. Big Shot will further develop the Eloise franchise across multiple entertainment platforms.
During his run at Paramount Global and Pictures Pictures, Robbins oversaw the studio’s feature slate which included family franchises such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Spongebob, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the consumer products juggernaut Paw Patrol.
He joined Paramount in 2017 as founding president of Paramount Players, was named President of Nickelodeon in 2018, and ascended to lead Paramount Pictures in 2021. Earlier in his career, Robbins co-founded AwesomenessTV, a pioneering digital media company acquired by DreamWorks Animation, and Tollin/Robbins Productions, which produced hit series including All That, Kenan & Kel, and Smallville. He began his career as an actor before transitioning into producing, directing, and studio leadership.
Big Shot is represented by Matthew Johnson of Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole LLP and David Hernand of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
English (US) ·