More Churn At The New Paramount
That Brad Grey character at the New Paramount seems to get shaky if he goes a couple of days without mixing things up at the New Paramount™, doesn't he? Moments ago, the studio announced that it's got a shiny, new co-president of production (current EVP Alli Shearmur—yeah, we didn't know who she was, either) to replace Karen Rosenfelt, the co-president from the old regime. In a heartfelt e-mail to his Paramount underlings, Grey offers a tearful goodbye to Rosenfelt:
Karen is both an exceptional person and a great executive. She has had a tremendous run here and we respect her decision to pursue a new path. Please join me in thanking her for her many contributions to Paramount and wishing her the very best.
Quick translation: "We respect her decision to pursue a new path" = "We hope she doesn't throw a fit as security escorts her off the lot while the new chick measures the office for new curtains."
Also, Grey announced that they're trying to transition co-president Tom Jacobson (at The 'Mount, even the panini-pressers in the cafeteria have that title) to a "producing deal" at Paramount. Will there be some "ankling" in the near future? God, we hope so, we loves us some anklin'.
Grey's e-mail follows after the jump, if that kind of thing gets you hot.
I have some terrific news to report. Alli Shearmur has been promoted to Co-President, Production. Please give her a warm "congratulations" when you see her in the hallways or around the Lot. Alli came to Paramount last year and has grown her great reputation as a very talented production executive and leader. Alli came to us from Universal, where she shepherded such hits as "The American Pie" trilogy, "Along Came Polly," "Erin Brockovitch," "The Bourne Identity," and "The Bourne Supremacy." Not bad. We're certain that Alli will be an important part of building our successful future.
Additionally, we are in discussions with Tom Jacobson, Co-President Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group, about moving to an independent producing deal on the Paramount lot. Tom is a gifted producer and we are hopeful that he will remain here in that capacity so we may continue to benefit from his formidable talents.
Also, I am sorry to report the news that Karen Rosenfelt, Co-President, Production, has chosen to leave Paramount. Karen has been with the company since 1990 and has been an integral and valued member of the production team that created many successes during her time here – most recently "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie," "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" and "Coach Carter." Karen is both an exceptional person and a great executive. She has had a tremendous run here and we respect her decision to pursue a new path. Please join me in thanking her for her many contributions to Paramount and wishing her the very best.