Paramount Pictures new management team under chairman and ceo Brad Grey has promoted Alli Shearmur to co-president, production.
Shearmur, formerly an evp 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 president Gail Berman, who officially starts in May.
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."
Shearmur added, "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, Shearmur (nee Brecker) was responsible for the development of such properties as BAD NEWS BEARS, which comes to theaters on July 22; and FAILURE TO LAUNCH, which will soon begin principal photography. Before joining Paramount, Shearmur was evp 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 vp 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.
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 svp of production, and was elevated to evp in 1993. Among her recent successes were THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE and LEMONY SNICKET'S SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS both projects from Nickelodeon Movies, as well as COACH CARTER, from MTV Films.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
