Kevin Grevioux, who created the “Underworld” franchise, and wrote and directed “King of Killers,” will direct action-adventure film “Shurika.”
The film will go into production later this year and rights are being pre-sold by Reiko Bradley’s Eclipse Intl. at the European Film Market, which accompanies the Berlin Film Festival.
The film is adapted by Grevioux from a graphic novel published by his Darkstorm Comics & Media company, about a biracial Black Japanese woman. She had been hidden from her Yakuza grandfather by her mother after he had her African American husband killed because of their taboo relationship. Years later, while trying to find her birth mother, the woman finds herself caught in a conflict between the ninja clan who raised her and the Japanese underworld.
“I’ve been wanting to tell this story for quite some time. It’s not only filled with high-octane action, but it also delves deep into the importance of family,...
The film will go into production later this year and rights are being pre-sold by Reiko Bradley’s Eclipse Intl. at the European Film Market, which accompanies the Berlin Film Festival.
The film is adapted by Grevioux from a graphic novel published by his Darkstorm Comics & Media company, about a biracial Black Japanese woman. She had been hidden from her Yakuza grandfather by her mother after he had her African American husband killed because of their taboo relationship. Years later, while trying to find her birth mother, the woman finds herself caught in a conflict between the ninja clan who raised her and the Japanese underworld.
“I’ve been wanting to tell this story for quite some time. It’s not only filled with high-octane action, but it also delves deep into the importance of family,...
- 2/17/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount Pictures said today that its Evp Worldwide Marketing Bob Buchi will become president of Worldwide Home Media Distribution. The move comes a couple weeks after it parted ways with former boss Dennis Maguire, who had been at the studio since 2006 after a long run at Disney. Maguire was part of the wave of Viacom layoffs that hit not just the Melrose Ave studio but also Nickelodeon and MTV. Buchi previously oversaw the Brand, Retail and Digital Marketing teams and…...
- 4/3/2015
- Deadline
In the latest ripple effect of Viacom corporate restructuring, Paramount Worldwide Home Media Distribution President Dennis Maguire is exiting his post. Maguire’s departure comes on the heels of 20 to 40 employees who were let go on Wednesday. Also Read: TheWrap’s 25 Most Anticipated Movies of 2015: From ‘Fifty Shades’ to ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Spectre’ “The personnel changes made today are part of Viacom’s previously announced restructuring effort. These changes are designed to realign resources and create efficiencies in line with the evolving business environment,” a spokesperson for the studio said in a statement. Paramount isn’t the only arm of the media giant to.
- 3/14/2015
- by Linda Ge
- The Wrap
Hollywood, Calif– Amy Reinhard has been named President, Worldwide Television and Home Media Acquisitions for Paramount Home Media Distribution, it was announced jointly today by Dennis Maguire, President, Worldwide Home Media Distribution and Hal Richardson, President, Home Media Distribution. In her new role, Reinhard will oversee the worldwide sales and licensing of all content handled by Paramount across Pay TV, Broadcast, Cable and Svod, as well as worldwide acquisitions for home media. In addition she will continue to drive business development initiatives worldwide. “Since the establishment of Paramount Home Media Distribution in 2012, Amy has skillfully managed our physical, digital and television licensing businesses domestically. Her business acumen and strategic vision are exceptional,” said Richardson. “This new role recognizes her accomplishments and underscores the importance we place on the changing landscape of the worldwide television business.” “Amy is a seasoned, strategic executive with strong management skills and I am confident she...
- 5/2/2014
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
The La-based Digital Entertainment Group marked its 17th year as the home entertainment industry’s leading association by promoting Amy Jo Smith to President. In addition to promoting Smith, the Deg realigned its Steering Committee positions for the 2013-14 fiscal year. Vice Chairs will be David Bishop, President, Sony Pictures Worldwide Home Entertainment, Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Mike Dunn, President, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Steve Beeks, Co-Chief Operating Officer & President, Motion Picture Group, Lionsgate remains Chief Financial Officer. Robert Rose, Deg’s General Counsel, also takes over the responsibility of Corporate Secretary. Board Members include Bill Sondheim of Gaiaim Vivendi Entertainment, Sofia Chang of HBO Home Entertainment, Tom McDonough of Intel Media Services, Blair Westlake of Microsoft, Gene Kelsey of Panasonic, Dennis Maguire of Paramount Home Media Distribution, Darren Stupak of Sony Music Entertainment, Jim Belcher of Universal Music Group and Lori MacPherson of Walt Disney Studios.
- 8/16/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Paramount Home Media Distribution and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group today announced that they have reached a strategic alliance centering on more than 600 catalog titles from the Paramount film library. The deal grants Warner Bros. exclusive rights to physical Blu-ray and DVD distribution of those titles in the Us and Canada, and will make Paramount.s UltraViolet offerings available on a non-exclusive basis through Flixster, the Warner Bros. movie streaming and discovery service. .We are bullish on this deal as it firmly supports innovation in a critical aspect of our business, while at the same time it leverages our collective strengths and assets to maximize profits in the present market,. said Dennis Maguire, president of Paramount Home Media Distribution....
- 10/4/2012
- Comingsoon.net
The La-based Digital Entertainment Group marked its 16th year as the home entertainment industry’s leading association with the announcement of its new Board of Directors and Officers. They serve as the Steering Committee for the 2012-13 fiscal year (August 1 – July 31). New to the Board are Bill Sondheim of Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment, John Taylor of LG Electronics USA, Mike Lucas of Sony Electronics, and Michael Paull of Sony Music Entertainment. New to the Steering Committee is Steve Beeks of Lionsgate, who is the group’s CFO. He joins President Ron Sanders of Warner Home Video, Vice President David Bishop of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Vice President Craig Kornblau of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Secretary Mike Dunn of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Board Members include Henry McGee of HBO Home Entertainment, Blair Westlake of Microsoft, Eisuke Tsuyuzaki of Panasonic, Dennis Maguire of Paramount Home Media Distribution, Marty Gordon of Philips Electronics,...
- 8/3/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline Hollywood
The La-based Digital Entertainment Group marked its 16th year as the home entertainment industry’s leading association with the announcement of its new Board of Directors and Officers. They serve as the Steering Committee for the 2012-13 fiscal year (August 1 – July 31). New to the Board are Bill Sondheim of Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment, John Taylor of LG Electronics USA, Mike Lucas of Sony Electronics, and Michael Paull of Sony Music Entertainment. New to the Steering Committee is Steve Beeks of Lionsgate, who is the group’s CFO. He joins President Ron Sanders of Warner Home Video, Vice President David Bishop of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Vice President Craig Kornblau of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Secretary Mike Dunn of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Board Members include Henry McGee of HBO Home Entertainment, Blair Westlake of Microsoft, Eisuke Tsuyuzaki of Panasonic, Dennis Maguire of Paramount Home Media Distribution, Marty Gordon of Philips Electronics,...
- 8/3/2012
- by NIKKI FINKE
- Deadline TV
Coming off a year where box office sales showed some of the most disappointing weekends in quite a few years, and where the DVD buying bubble has now clearly burst, you could say that it’s starting to look like the film industry is in some financial trouble. They’ve tried to find new revenue in the form of 3D films, but as the months have worn on ticket sales to 3D showings have been bringing in less and less extra cash, and sales of 3D enabled home equipment pretty much never got out of the gate with any momentum. Factor in the rise of cheap rentals through Redbox kiosks and all-you-can-eat streaming services like Netflix, and the film industry as a whole is faced with the daunting task of how to keep their content seen as being a commodity. All hope doesn’t seem to be lost for makers of motion pictures, however...
- 12/28/2011
- by Nathan Adams
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Update: In a move that recognizes the growing role of overseas grosses and revenues that are derived from ancillary areas such as streaming, Paramount Pictures has significantly restructured several of its most important divisions. The moves will include the June 2012 retirement of distribution president Jim Tharp and the exit of Tom Lesinski, the Paramount Digital Entertainment president whose domain is being absorbed under other divisions at the studio. Brad Grey has put the post-theatrical distribution of movies under one department, Home Media Distribution, which will be run by former president of Worldwide Home Entertainment Dennis Maguire. He’ll now oversee the licensing of films to home entertainment, digital streaming, and pay TV. Hal Richardson, who had been president of Worldwide Television Distribution, becomes president of Home Media Distribution, and he reports to Maguire. In addition, because the studio is building slates that are clearly attempting to derive the majority of...
- 9/27/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Madrid -- Universal Pictures International Entertainment (Upie) and Paramount Home Entertainment International (Phei) announced a five-year agreement that will see Paramount distribute the entire Universal home entertainment product slate in Spain, Upie President Eddie Cunningham and Phei Worldwide President Dennis Maguire announced Wednesday.
The agreement, which starts January 2011, covers all film and TV products from Universal Pictures and its partners, as well as the operations, finance, sales and marketing functions for all Upie product distributed in the territory.
The first titles to be released under the new arrangement include "Despicable Me" and "Get Him to the Greek."
"Despite challenges in the home entertainment market in recent years, Spain remains an incredibly important territory for us," Cunningham said. "We are keen to create a customer-focused distribution agreement with Phei in order to invigorate growth potential in the local home entertainment market."
Spain has proved particularly challenging to the home entertainment market,...
The agreement, which starts January 2011, covers all film and TV products from Universal Pictures and its partners, as well as the operations, finance, sales and marketing functions for all Upie product distributed in the territory.
The first titles to be released under the new arrangement include "Despicable Me" and "Get Him to the Greek."
"Despite challenges in the home entertainment market in recent years, Spain remains an incredibly important territory for us," Cunningham said. "We are keen to create a customer-focused distribution agreement with Phei in order to invigorate growth potential in the local home entertainment market."
Spain has proved particularly challenging to the home entertainment market,...
- 9/15/2010
- by By Pamela Rolfe
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Over the past few months, movie studios like Universal and Warner Bros. have decided that the best way to increase their DVD revenue is to establish exclusive 'sell-through' windows for new films. So we've seen Netflix agree to wait 28 days before sending new Warner Bros. films to subscribers, and Fox and Universal have filed lawsuits against Redbox to control how the company stocks the studios' films in kiosks. But Paramount has done some research and come to different conclusions from WB and other studios. In a rare example of a studio doing something that makes sense, Paramount is eliminating any exclusive windows and allowing Redbox to stock the studio's DVDs from day one. In other words: Paramount is doing business the way it should be done. The La Times quotes Dennis Maguire, president of Paramount Home Entertainment: "There were two conclusions we came to...There hasn't been a cannibalization...
- 6/18/2010
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
With Hollywood tech comes the occasional lurking gremlin.
That's been the situation with the Blu-ray disc format during the past month. Paramount on Wednesday recalled 100,000 copies of a special edition of "Saving Private Ryan" because of an audio-synchronization problem. The snafu comes a few weeks after some purchasers of Fox's Blu-ray version of "Avatar" discovered that their machines require firmware upgrades to play the movie.
The "Ryan" ruckus is tied to an authoring process used by its vendor, Technicolor.
"Technicolor has been a valuable partner to Paramount Home Entertainment, and both Paramount and Technicolor are committed to providing the highest-quality product to consumers," Phe president Dennis Maguire said in announcing the recall.
Retailers were told to pull "Ryan" inventory from shelves, to be replaced by Tuesday with corrected copies. Domestic consumers with troublesome discs were asked to call (888) 370-8621 to request replacements.
The audio difficulties -- limited to Chapter 15 of the "Ryan" special edition,...
That's been the situation with the Blu-ray disc format during the past month. Paramount on Wednesday recalled 100,000 copies of a special edition of "Saving Private Ryan" because of an audio-synchronization problem. The snafu comes a few weeks after some purchasers of Fox's Blu-ray version of "Avatar" discovered that their machines require firmware upgrades to play the movie.
The "Ryan" ruckus is tied to an authoring process used by its vendor, Technicolor.
"Technicolor has been a valuable partner to Paramount Home Entertainment, and both Paramount and Technicolor are committed to providing the highest-quality product to consumers," Phe president Dennis Maguire said in announcing the recall.
Retailers were told to pull "Ryan" inventory from shelves, to be replaced by Tuesday with corrected copies. Domestic consumers with troublesome discs were asked to call (888) 370-8621 to request replacements.
The audio difficulties -- limited to Chapter 15 of the "Ryan" special edition,...
- 5/12/2010
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chicago – One of the reasons that Blu-ray hasn’t taken over like so many of the technology’s early adopters hoped that it would is that a lot of the films that drove the success of standard DVD weren’t available on the format. It has taken time for early DVD hits like “The Matrix” and even “The Lord of the Rings” to come out in HD. When people buy a Blu-ray machine, they want to be able to get their favorite films right away. Now they can add another long-wanted option to the first-day-purchase list with “Saving Private Ryan”.
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0
Paramount has been somewhat quietly releasing their most acclaimed films of the last twenty years in a mini-collection called the Sapphire Series, releasing “Gladiator,” “Braveheart,” and “Forrest Gump” in the second half of 2009 and adding “Saving Private Ryan” to the set just in time for Father’s Day.
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0
Paramount has been somewhat quietly releasing their most acclaimed films of the last twenty years in a mini-collection called the Sapphire Series, releasing “Gladiator,” “Braveheart,” and “Forrest Gump” in the second half of 2009 and adding “Saving Private Ryan” to the set just in time for Father’s Day.
- 5/11/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Leading up to next Tuesday's release of Paranormal Activity (DVD and Blu-ray review here), Paramount held an interesting contest -- one lucky fan was going to get to host a special screening of the film in his or her home along with director Oren Peli. The winner has been picked and it is ...
Jessica Dimeo of Rehoboth, Massachusetts! As an added bonus Dread Central will be on hand that same evening of Jessica's screening to host the festivities and get the party started! Expect live tweeting with pictures from the event and more! Congratulations, kiddo! See you on Monday evening!
From the official press release
Paranormal Activity, the chilling surprise hit that had fans everywhere “demanding it,” comes home on DVD and Blu-ray December 29. To celebrate, Paramount Home Entertainment will host the world premiere of an unrated version of the film for Jessica Dimeo of Rehoboth, Mass., the winner of...
Jessica Dimeo of Rehoboth, Massachusetts! As an added bonus Dread Central will be on hand that same evening of Jessica's screening to host the festivities and get the party started! Expect live tweeting with pictures from the event and more! Congratulations, kiddo! See you on Monday evening!
From the official press release
Paranormal Activity, the chilling surprise hit that had fans everywhere “demanding it,” comes home on DVD and Blu-ray December 29. To celebrate, Paramount Home Entertainment will host the world premiere of an unrated version of the film for Jessica Dimeo of Rehoboth, Mass., the winner of...
- 12/23/2009
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Dennis Maguire has been appointed president of Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment Worldwide; it was announced by Paramount Pictures vice chairman Rob Moore. In this role, Maguire holds operating responsibility for the division's sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content for the Paramount Motion Picture Group in the United States and the division's 12 offices in other territories. Maguire's responsibilities also include oversight of Paramount Home Entertainment's efforts on behalf of MTV Network Properties, CBS, PBS, Hasbro, and fulfillment services ...
- 10/19/2009
- BusinessofCinema
By Daniel Frankel
Dennis Maguire has been named president of Paramount Pictures Home Entertaiment Worldwide, filling a post that had been vacant since Kelley Avery departed last spring, the studio confirmed Thursday..
Maguire had served the unit's top international executive since 2006 and will retain those responsibilities, with Paramount no longer maintaining separate domestic and international home entertainment division heads.
"Dennis has an exceptional understanding of the home ...
Dennis Maguire has been named president of Paramount Pictures Home Entertaiment Worldwide, filling a post that had been vacant since Kelley Avery departed last spring, the studio confirmed Thursday..
Maguire had served the unit's top international executive since 2006 and will retain those responsibilities, with Paramount no longer maintaining separate domestic and international home entertainment division heads.
"Dennis has an exceptional understanding of the home ...
- 10/15/2009
- by Lew Harris
- The Wrap
Days after word of Kelley Avery's resignation as Paramount Home Entertainment's worldwide president, digital entertainment president Thomas Lesinski appears to be in the running for the vacated role.
Paramount said last week that an Avery successor wouldn't be named immediately, and the Lesinski appointment could take weeks to work out. But a transition to worldwide president would seem to be particularly seamless for Lesinski, who held the title for three years before moving on to head up digital operations after Avery arrived from DreamWorks Animation in 2006.
If given the worldwide home entertainment reins, Lesinski likely would retain his digital duties as well. The Paramount Digital Media Group -- which Lesinski created at the behest of Paramount chief Brad Grey -- has drawn industry plaudits for its 53-territory reach and a broad range of partnerships with Internet and mobile platforms.
For now, home entertainment execs report directly to Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore.
Paramount said last week that an Avery successor wouldn't be named immediately, and the Lesinski appointment could take weeks to work out. But a transition to worldwide president would seem to be particularly seamless for Lesinski, who held the title for three years before moving on to head up digital operations after Avery arrived from DreamWorks Animation in 2006.
If given the worldwide home entertainment reins, Lesinski likely would retain his digital duties as well. The Paramount Digital Media Group -- which Lesinski created at the behest of Paramount chief Brad Grey -- has drawn industry plaudits for its 53-territory reach and a broad range of partnerships with Internet and mobile platforms.
For now, home entertainment execs report directly to Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore.
- 5/11/2009
- by By Carl DiOrio
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- Universal Pictures International Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment have struck a DVD distribution partnership in Russia, the parties said Thursday.
Universal Pictures Russia, under the watchful eye of managing director Egor Borisov, will market and distribute Paramount's DVD titles in Russia under the pact.
The agreement includes all releases from Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, the parties said.
DVDs to be released in Russia under the deal this year include "Shrek the Third", "World Trade Center", "Blades of Glory" and "Mission: Impossible 3", among others.
Theatrically, Paramount titles are distributed in Russia by Universal Pictures International.
The DVD pact was announced by UPIE president Eddie Cunningham and PHEI boss Dennis Maguire.
Universal Pictures Russia, under the watchful eye of managing director Egor Borisov, will market and distribute Paramount's DVD titles in Russia under the pact.
The agreement includes all releases from Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, the parties said.
DVDs to be released in Russia under the deal this year include "Shrek the Third", "World Trade Center", "Blades of Glory" and "Mission: Impossible 3", among others.
Theatrically, Paramount titles are distributed in Russia by Universal Pictures International.
The DVD pact was announced by UPIE president Eddie Cunningham and PHEI boss Dennis Maguire.
LONDON -- Buena Vista Home Entertainment announced Monday it has appointed Julie Sneddon to senior vp and general manager of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Based in London, Sneddon will take up her role immediately and report to BVHE International president Dennis Maguire. A 12-year veteran of BVHE U.K. & Ireland, where she was most recently managing director, Sneddon replaces Rob Jongmans, who was recently appointed executive vp and managing director of Northern, Central and Eastern Europe for Walt Disney International.
- 9/12/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BIARRITZ, France -- Home-entertainment retailers must embrace new distribution opportunities or face being sidelined by the growing clamor for movie content from such competitors as computer manufacturers and telephone companies, Buena Vista Home Entertainment International president Dennis Maguire said Thursday. Maguire was speaking at the annual Perspectives in European Video conference, Europe's largest gathering of home entertainment executives, held Wednesday and Thursday in the chic French resort of Biarritz. He told an audience of about 270 delegates, ranging from film producers and distributors to rental and sell-through retailers, that BVHE is looking closely at the way stores are using the Internet.
- 12/3/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- Organizers of the upcoming European Video Perspectives (PEVE) conference in France announced Thursday that Dennis Maguire, president of Buena Vista Home Entertainment International, will give the keynote speech. Maguire, a 22-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company and a pioneer in the home entertainment business since its inception, will outline his vision for the future of the home entertainment industry. Jean-Paul Commin, PEVE co-president and president of the International Video Federation, said: "We are delighted to welcome Dennis Maguire as the keynote speaker for this year's PEVE conference, which is already shaping up to be one of the best yet."...
- 9/16/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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