Paramount Taps Sony for German Distribution

Paramount and Sony Pictures International Partner for Theatrical Distribution and Marketing in Germany

Partnership Announcement

Screen has learned that Paramount Pictures has struck a theatrical distribution and marketing partnership with Sony Pictures International in Germany.

Background on the Partnership

The move comes as Paramount is letting go of its theatrical distribution and marketing team in the territory as parent Paramount Global cuts costs, amid wider belt-tightening across Hollywood. The Paramount territory office will remain operational and houses the home entertainment and global content distribution teams. The size of the theatrical distribution and marketing team impacted was unclear at time of writing.

Upcoming Releases

Screen understands that Paramount’s Germany team will release "Smile 2" in the territory this weekend, before the new arrangement with Sony Pictures International starts with the upcoming release of "Gladiator II".

German Box Office Trends

As of October 6, total German box office through all distributors for the year to date was down 16% year-on-year.

Notable Box Office Performances

Paramount/Hasbro’s "Transformers One" has earned approximately $520,000 in Germany since opening last week, while "IF" grossed $5.1m in early summer to ensure Germany ranked as the family film’s third-highest European territory. "A Quiet Place: Day One" took $2.7m later in the summer.

Conclusion

The partnership between Paramount and Sony Pictures International marks an important milestone in the German theatrical distribution and marketing landscape. With "Smile 2" and "Gladiator II" upcoming releases, the two companies will be working together to bring exciting new content to German audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the nature of the partnership between Paramount and Sony Pictures International in Germany?
  The partnership is a theatrical distribution and marketing partnership.
• What is the reason for Paramount’s departure from theatrical distribution and marketing in Germany?
  Paramount is letting go of its theatrical distribution and marketing team in the territory as parent Paramount Global cuts costs, amid wider belt-tightening across Hollywood.
• What are the upcoming releases under the new partnership?
  "Smile 2" and "Gladiator II" are the first releases under the new partnership, with "Smile 2" set to release this weekend and "Gladiator II" to follow soon after.