Alli Shearmur Appointed Co-President of Production of Paramount Pictures
Los Angeles, CA (April 14, 2005)—Brad Grey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Paramount Pictures, today announced the promotion of Alli Shearmur to Co-President, Production for Paramount Pictures. Ms. Shearmur, formerly an executive vice president of production at Paramount, will oversee the day-to-day development and production of the studio's annual slate of films and literary acquisitions. Shearmur will report to Paramount Pictures President Gail Berman, who officially starts in May.
Mr. Grey said, " I am pleased to announce Alli's move to this new role—not only because I think she's one of the studio's brightest up-and-coming talents, but the caliber of work I've seen speaks volumes about the full potential of what she can deliver. In just a short time at the studio, Alli has distinguished herself as a leader among her colleagues, and earned the respect of the creative community as a skilled, results-oriented executive."
Ms. Shearmur said, "I'm thrilled to be working closely with Brad—and soon closely with Gail—during such an exciting time at the studio. I also look forward to applying my skills in developing new talent and experience working with all of the talented filmmakers in place here to build a great slate of films for Paramount."
In her previous role as Executive Vice President, Production for Paramount Pictures, Shearmur (née Brecker) was responsible for the development of such properties as The Bad News Bears, which comes to theaters on July 22nd; and Failure to Launch, which will soon begin principal photography. Before joining Paramount, Shearmur was executive vice president of production for Universal Pictures where she oversaw the development of such hits as the American Pie trilogy, Along Came Polly, Erin Brockovich, The Bourne Identity, and The Bourne Supremacy. Prior to that, Shearmur was vice president of production for Walt Disney Pictures from 1994 through 1997.
Grey also announced that the studio is currently in discussions with Tom Jacobson about moving to an independent producing deal on the Paramount lot. Jacobson served as Co-President of Paramount Pictures since February 2003.
Mr. Grey said, "We are very hopeful that Tom will remain with us on the lot, and that we will continue to benefit from his formidable talents in a producing role at Paramount.
Additionally, Karen Rosenfelt, who served since 2002 as Co-President, Production for Paramount Pictures, has decided to pursue other interests outside of the studio. Rosenfelt joined Paramount in 1990 as Senior Vice-President of Production, and was elevated to Executive Vice President in 1993. Among her recent successes were The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events—both projects from Nickelodeon Movies, as well as Coach Carter, from MTV Films.
Grey commented on the move by saying: "We thank Karen for the many contributions and successes that her skilled leadership brought to her role here. The impact that Karen has had here at Paramount will be felt for years to come—she has been part of the fabric of the company and had a great run at the studio. Karen is both an exceptional person and a fantastic executive, and we wish her every future success."
About Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIAB), one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies and a leader in the production, promotion, and distribution of entertainment news, sports and music.
Mr. Grey said, " I am pleased to announce Alli's move to this new role—not only because I think she's one of the studio's brightest up-and-coming talents, but the caliber of work I've seen speaks volumes about the full potential of what she can deliver. In just a short time at the studio, Alli has distinguished herself as a leader among her colleagues, and earned the respect of the creative community as a skilled, results-oriented executive."
Ms. Shearmur said, "I'm thrilled to be working closely with Brad—and soon closely with Gail—during such an exciting time at the studio. I also look forward to applying my skills in developing new talent and experience working with all of the talented filmmakers in place here to build a great slate of films for Paramount."
In her previous role as Executive Vice President, Production for Paramount Pictures, Shearmur (née Brecker) was responsible for the development of such properties as The Bad News Bears, which comes to theaters on July 22nd; and Failure to Launch, which will soon begin principal photography. Before joining Paramount, Shearmur was executive vice president of production for Universal Pictures where she oversaw the development of such hits as the American Pie trilogy, Along Came Polly, Erin Brockovich, The Bourne Identity, and The Bourne Supremacy. Prior to that, Shearmur was vice president of production for Walt Disney Pictures from 1994 through 1997.
Grey also announced that the studio is currently in discussions with Tom Jacobson about moving to an independent producing deal on the Paramount lot. Jacobson served as Co-President of Paramount Pictures since February 2003.
Mr. Grey said, "We are very hopeful that Tom will remain with us on the lot, and that we will continue to benefit from his formidable talents in a producing role at Paramount.
Additionally, Karen Rosenfelt, who served since 2002 as Co-President, Production for Paramount Pictures, has decided to pursue other interests outside of the studio. Rosenfelt joined Paramount in 1990 as Senior Vice-President of Production, and was elevated to Executive Vice President in 1993. Among her recent successes were The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events—both projects from Nickelodeon Movies, as well as Coach Carter, from MTV Films.
Grey commented on the move by saying: "We thank Karen for the many contributions and successes that her skilled leadership brought to her role here. The impact that Karen has had here at Paramount will be felt for years to come—she has been part of the fabric of the company and had a great run at the studio. Karen is both an exceptional person and a fantastic executive, and we wish her every future success."
About Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIAB), one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies and a leader in the production, promotion, and distribution of entertainment news, sports and music.
