Paramount Pictures is the sixth-oldest film studio globally and the second-oldest in the US. It is part of the 'Big Five' studios and a member of the MPA.
Paramount Pictures, one of the most iconic film studios, was established in 1902.
In April 12, 1912, Adolph Zukor founded Engadine Corp.
Paramount Pictures was established on May 8, 1912, in Hollywood, California by Adolph Zukor, a Hungarian-born early investor in movie theaters. It is the oldest operating major film studio in Hollywood and the fifth-oldest in the world.
On June 7, 1912, Adolph Zukor established Famous Players Corp.
On May 8, 1914, Paramount Pictures Corporation was founded by Utah theatre owner W. W. Hodkinson, who had bought and merged five smaller firms. Paramount was the first successful nationwide film distributor.
In 1915, Cecil B. DeMille directed a film with live piano accompaniment.
In 1916, Adolph Zukor engineered a three-way merger of Famous Players, the Lasky Company, and Paramount, creating the Famous Players–Lasky Corporation. This new company, although retaining the name 'Paramount,' became the largest film company at the time.
The fusion of Famous Players–Lasky Corporation and Paramount Pictures was officially finalized on November 7, 1916, solidifying their dominance in the film industry.
In 1917, Famous Players-Lasky's film 'Wings' won the first Academy Award for Best Picture, marking a significant achievement in the history of cinema.
In February 1918, Famous Players-Lasky Corporation absorbed Paramount Pictures, leading to significant changes in the film industry.
In 1921, the film 'The Sheik' was released, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. Starring Rudolph Valentino, this romantic drama became a significant cultural phenomenon of its time.
In January 1926, Lasky bought the Robert Brunton Studios in a 26-acre facility deal, expanding Paramount's West Coast production capabilities.
On April 1, 1927, the company's name was changed to Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation, reflecting the evolving structure of the studio.
In 1928, the film Wings was awarded the very first Academy Award for Best Picture by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Paramount's first-ever Academy Award for Best Picture win boosted the studio's reputation and encouraged them to continue producing high-quality films.
On April 24, 1930, Paramount-Famous Lasky Corporation was rebranded as Paramount Publix Corporation. This change marked a significant moment in the company's history.
Paramount Publix Corporation changes its name to Paramount Productions Inc. on November 28, 1932.
On March 14, 1933, Paramount Pictures filed for bankruptcy due to over-expansion and the use of overvalued stock for purchases. This financial crisis led to a period of restructuring and reorganization for the company.
On June 4, 1935, John E. Otterson assumed the role of president at the re-emerged and newly renamed Paramount Pictures Inc. His appointment marked a new chapter in the company's leadership.
On August 28, 1935, Paramount Pictures was re-listed on the New York Stock Exchange under new leadership. This event signified a successful relaunch of the studio.
On August 1, 1936, Paramount Productions Inc. merges with Paramount Pictures Inc.
In March 1937, an earthquake in Los Angeles prompts Paramount staff to remove the bell-tower on top of Bronson Gate as a safety measure, despite causing no major damage.
In 1939, Paramount Pictures established television stations in Los Angeles (later known as KTLA) and Chicago's WBKB, showing early support for the television medium.
Paramount acquired Fleischer Studios in 1942 and reorganized it as Famous Studios, which eventually shut down in 1967 with its library integrated into Paramount Animation.
In 1944, Paramount won its second Academy Award for Best Picture for the film Going My Way, showcasing the critical acclaim of films from Paramount during the mid to late 40s.
In 1947, a film directed by Lewis Allen was released.
In 1948, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc. that film studios could not control cinema chains. This ruling had a significant impact on Paramount Pictures, leading to increased competition from television and the need to make strategic changes in their productions.
Paramount Pictures Inc. was split into two separate entities due to the U.S. Supreme Court's mandate. Paramount Pictures Corporation was established as the production distribution company, while the 1,500-screen theater chain was handed over to the new United Paramount Theaters.
On January 1, 1950, Paramount Pictures Corp. changed its name to Paramount Pictures Corporation.
In 1951, George Stevens directed the film A Place in the Sun.
The film 'The Greatest Show on Earth' was released in 1952.
In 1951, Paramount bought a stake in International Telemeter, an experimental pay TV service which operated with a coin inserted into a box. The service began operating in Palm Springs, California on November 27, 1953.
Due to pressure from the FCC, the International Telemeter pay TV service, in which Paramount had invested, ended on May 15, 1954.
In 1956, Cecil B. DeMille, associated with Paramount since 1913, created his most successful film at Paramount, a remake of his 1923 film 'The Ten Commandments', providing some relief to Paramount despite its losses.
In February 1958, Paramount sold 764 of its pre-1950 films to MCA Inc./EMKA, Ltd. (known today as Universal Television), as Paramount saw little value in its film library.
In 1961, the film 'Double Indemnity' directed by Marion Brando was screened as part of the 100 Years of Paramount Pictures event.
In 1963, a film directed by Martin Ritt was released.
United Paramount Theaters underwent a name change to ABC Theaters in 1965. The theater chain was later sold to businessman Henry Plitt in 1977 and renamed Plitt Theaters.
On March 24, 1966, Gulf+Western Industries, Inc. gained control of Paramount Pictures, leading to a shift in focus towards the entertainment division.
In 1967, Paramount Pictures introduced the fourth and current iteration of their logo, featuring a more simplified design with 22 stars, removal of clouds and the word 'Pictures', and a refined font choice.
In 1968, Paramount formed Films Distributing Corp to distribute sensitive film product, including 'Sin With a Stranger', one of the first films to receive an X rating in the United States.
In 1970, Paramount teamed with Universal Studios to form Cinema International Corporation (CIC), a new company that would distribute films by the two studios outside the United States, marking a significant collaboration.
The Godfather Trilogy, released between 1972 and 1990, is a highly influential series of gangster films that set the standard for the genre.
In 1973, the film 'El Dorado' was directed by Sidney Lumet and screened on film.
In 1974, Robert Evans left his position as head of production at Paramount Pictures. His departure marked a significant change in leadership at the studio.
In September 1975, Paramount simplified their logo in a shade of blue, based on the modified design of the 1968 print logo. This design was used for many decades.
In 1976, Barry Diller and his team, known as the 'Killer-Dillers', assumed leadership at Paramount Pictures. This marked a shift towards a new era of management at the studio.
In 1977, a film directed by Jonathan Demme was screened.
In 1978, Terrence Malick directed the film Days of Heaven.
The Star Trek Original Movie Series, spanning from 1979 to 2002, continued the legacy of the iconic TV series by bringing it to the big screen.
A film series titled 'Chronicles of Changing Times: The Cinema of Edward Yang' was showcased from March 29 to May 5, 1980.
Paramount Pictures was involved in launching the Indiana Jones film series in 1981, adding to its portfolio of successful and important films.
On August 25, 1983, the original New York Street set was destroyed in a fire.
In 1984, Barry Diller departed from Paramount Pictures and joined 20th Century Fox. His departure marked a significant change in leadership at both studios.
In May 1985, Paramount Pictures established its own talent department, aiming to have a stable of contracted film personnel. However, the department was shut down in July 1986.
In December 1986, Paramount launched a new logo featuring computer-generated imagery of a lake and stars. This version was designed by Dario Campanile and animated by various studios.
In 1987, Paramount Pictures consolidated its distribution operations by closing branch offices and relocating staff to cut costs and improve efficiency.
On June 5, 1989, Gulf+Western underwent a name change and became Paramount Communications Inc.
On August 3, 1992, the current 5 acre backlot was finished at a cost of $1.5 million.
The TV show 'Frasier' aired from 1993 to 2004, focusing on the life of psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane.
On March 11, 1994, Paramount merged with Viacom, Inc. under the leadership of Sumner Redstone, Executive Chairman of the Board and Founder.
During this era, Paramount introduced successful film franchises like Indiana Jones and Mission: Impossible.
A successful action film series that began in 1996, based on the TV series of the same name and starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt.
Paramount distributed Titanic, a monumental film that achieved immense success worldwide.
The TV series 'Charmed' ran from 1998 to 2006, following the lives of three sisters who are powerful witches.
On June 30, 1999, a redone version of the Paramount logo debuted with South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. This version was created by Pittard Sullivan.
The TV show 'Angel' aired on Fox from 1999 to 2004, a spin-off from the popular series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'.
Blockbuster films released around the turn of the 21st century, marking a significant era in cinema.
In March 2002, an updated Paramount logo was introduced featuring shooting stars falling from a night sky to form the arc. This version was created by BUF Compagnie.
The movie 'The Italian Job' was released in 2003.
Paramount Motion Pictures Group purchased DreamWorks SKG for $1.6 billion, aiming to enhance its pipeline of pictures and restore its position as a leader in filmed entertainment.
On February 1, 2006, Paramount studio confirmed the completion of the acquisition of DreamWorks.
Grey broke up the famous United International Pictures (UIP) international distribution company, with 15 countries being taken over by Paramount or Universal by December 31, 2006.
Paramount distributed No Country for Old Men in the UK, contributing to the film's international acclaim.
In early 2008, Paramount partnered with Los Angeles-based developer FanRocket to make short scenes taken from its film library available to users on Facebook through the VooZoo application.
The Star Trek Series, released between 2009 and 2016, revitalized the iconic science fiction franchise with a new cast and modern storytelling.
On February 8, 2010, Viacom bought back Soros' controlling stake in DreamWorks' pre-2005 film library, solidifying Paramount's ownership of films released before the merger.
On December 16, 2011, an updated Paramount logo was introduced with animation done by Devastudios, featuring a surrounding mountain range and the sun shining in the background.
Released by Paramount Pictures on December 21, 2011.
In August 2012, a screening of the movie 'The Lost Weekend' took place as part of the celebration of 100 Years of Paramount Pictures.
In August 2012, a screening of the movie 'The Desperate Hours' directed by Mitchell Leisen in 1955 was held to commemorate 100 Years of Paramount Pictures.
As part of the 100 Years of Paramount Pictures celebration, a screening of 'Midnight' and 'Hands Across the Table' was held on August 5, 2012.
On August 6, 2012, a screening of the movie 'Seconds' was organized in honor of 100 Years of Paramount Pictures.
Released by Michaels/Goldwyn on December 19, 2012.
Released by TC Productions on December 21, 2012.
Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Hasbro Studios, and Di Bonaventura Pictures on March 28, 2013.
Released by Bad Robot Productions and K/O Paper Products on May 16, 2013.
Released by Hemisphere Media Capital, Plan B Entertainment, and GK Films on June 21, 2013.
Released by Di Bonaventura Pictures and Mace Neufeld Productions on January 17, 2014.
Released by China Movie Channel on July 1, 2015.
Released by Bad Robot Productions, Alibaba Pictures, China Movie Channel, and TC Productions on July 31, 2015.
Released by Alibaba Pictures, Huahua Media, Bad Robot Productions, Sneaky Shark Productions, and Perfect Storm Entertainment on July 22, 2016.
Released by TC Productions, Shanghai Film Group, and Huahua Media on October 21, 2016.
On January 19, 2017, Shanghai Film Group Corp. and Huahua Media agreed to finance at least 25% of all Paramount Pictures movies over three years. This deal also involved distributing and marketing Paramount's features in China, reflecting the trend of Chinese companies collaborating with Hollywood studios.
Released by Columbia Pictures and Mockingbird Pictures on March 24, 2017.
Jim Gianopulos was appointed as the chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures on March 27, 2017, taking over from Brad Grey. This leadership change marked a significant shift in the studio's management.
Released under Uncharted; Shanghai Film Group, Huahua Media, Seven Bucks Productions, The Montecito Picture Company, Fremantle Productions, and Flynn Picture Company on May 25, 2017.
Released by Electric Entertainment and RatPac-Dune Entertainment on October 20, 2017.
On December 7, 2017, Paramount sold the international distribution rights of Annihilation to Netflix. This marked a significant deal in the industry, showcasing the shift towards digital platforms for film distribution.
Released by Scott Rudin Productions and DNA Films on February 23, 2018.
Released by Alibaba Pictures, Bad Robot Productions, and TC Productions on July 27, 2018.
On July 31, 2018, Paramount was targeted by the National Hispanic Media Coalition and the National Latino Media Council for its lack of Latino and Hispanic representation in the film industry.
NHMC protested at the Paramount Pictures lot on August 25, 2018, demanding better representation for Latinos and Hispanics in the film industry.
The NHMC protested at the Paramount film lot for the second time on October 17, 2018, emphasizing the need for increased Latino and Hispanic representation in the entertainment sector.
Released by Alibaba Pictures, Fosun Pictures, and Jerry Bruckheimer Films on October 11, 2019.
On April 3, 2020, ViacomCBS officially closed the deal to rebrand the CBS All Access streaming service as Paramount+ to expand internationally using the well-known Paramount name and content from various studios.
In September 2021, Jim Gianopulos was dismissed from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon president Brian Robbins took over as the new head.
On February 16, 2022, ViacomCBS rebranded as Paramount Global, aligning the company more closely with its renowned studio name.
On March 8, 2022, Paramount Players' operations were integrated into Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group, while still functioning as a label with upcoming film projects.
A film set to be released on May 27, 2022, produced under Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
On November 15, 2022, Paramount entered an exclusive agreement with former DC Films president Walter Hamada to oversee the development of horror films starting in 2023.
An upcoming film involving Hasbro, Bay Films, New Republic Pictures, and Di Bonaventura Pictures, set to be released on July 14, 2023, distributed by Paramount Pictures.
In 2024, Paramount Pictures established terms of use for their services.