Paramount Buys 'Bald Eagles' Script from Writer Brandon Cohen

**Paramount Pictures** is one of the oldest and most influential film studios in Hollywood, founded in 1912 by Adolph Zukor, who began by releasing the first full-length drama in the U.S. and establishing the Famous Players Film Company. In 1916, a merger with Jesse L. Lasky's company and the Paramount distribution firm created the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, which evolved into Paramount Pictures, adopting its iconic mountain-and-stars logo inspired by the founder W. W. Hodkinson's childhood memories and symbolizing the studio’s star power[1][3]. Throughout its history, Paramount has been a pioneer in film production and distribution, shaping American cinema with landmark films like *The Squaw Man* (the first Hollywood feature), and classics from the 1930s and 1940s, considered its golden era. The studio was notable for its sophisticated productions during the pre-Code Hollywood era, pushing boundaries with directors like Cecil B. DeMille and Josef Von Sternberg, which helped define early cinematic artistry[3][4]. Paramount’s influence expanded significantly in the mid-20th century, producing iconic films such as *Psycho* (1960), *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* (1961), *The Godfather* (1972), and the *Indiana Jones* series (1981). These works cemented its reputation for combining artistic innovation with commercial success. In 1966, Gulf + Western Industries acquired Paramount, steering it into a conglomerate era focused on media and communications, ultimately rebranding as Paramount Communications in 1989[6]. Today, Paramount Pictures operates as a major film and television production company under Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS), sustaining its legacy by producing modern blockbuster franchises alongside classic film preservation. It remains a prominent hub in Hollywood, blending historic prestige with contemporary business and technological advancements in entertainment[6][7]. This enduring studio exemplifies the evolution of the film industry

The Hollywood Reporter (THR) is a leading American entertainment media brand established in 1930 by William R. "Billy" Wilkerson as Hollywood’s first daily trade newspaper. Initially a daily publication, THR was designed to serve the entertainment industry with news, analysis, and gossip, quickly becoming influential in shaping Hollywood careers and industry trends. Wilkerson's use of incisive articles and gossip helped the paper gain notoriety despite opposition from major studios[1][5]. Over the decades, THR evolved from a daily newspaper into a weekly large-format print magazine, complemented by a dynamic and revamped website since 2010. It offers in-depth reporting, thought-provoking reviews, and exclusive features covering film, television, and digital media, targeting both Hollywood insiders and a global audience interested in entertainment business and technology[1][3][7]. Key historical moments include the paper's growth under Wilkerson, who also played a significant role in Hollywood nightlife and real estate, and the transition of leadership to his wife, Tichi Wilkerson Kassel, after his death in 1962. The publication's headquarters in Hollywood, expanded architecturally in 1936, became a landmark symbolizing its longstanding presence in the industry[1][2][6]. Today, The Hollywood Reporter is recognized for its authoritative coverage, featuring world-class photography, video content, and extensive social reach with millions of followers and unique monthly views. Under current leadership, including Editor-in-Chief Maer Roshan and EVP Lori O’Connor, THR sustains its influence through a combination of traditional journalism and digital innovation, making it a vital resource for business and technology professionals tracking entertainment industry dynamics[3]. Notably, THR's blend of historic legacy and modern multimedia presence positions it uniquely as both a chronicler and shaper of entertainment culture, business, and technology trends worldwide.

Illumination Entertainment, founded on January 17, 2007, by Academy Award® nominee Chris Meledandri, is a leading American animation studio recognized for producing highly successful event-animated films. It operates as a division of Universal Pictures, itself part of Comcast’s NBCUniversal, with Universal financing and distributing Illumination’s films while Meledandri oversees production[1][2][3]. The studio is best known for creating the *Despicable Me* franchise, which includes the iconic Minions characters who serve as the studio’s mascots. This franchise has become the most successful animated series in cinematic history, featuring multiple billion-dollar box office hits such as *Despicable Me 2*, *Despicable Me 3*, and *Minions* (2015), the latter being the third-highest-grossing animated film ever and Universal’s most profitable film[1][3]. Illumination’s other notable works include *The Secret Life of Pets*, *Sing*, and adaptations of Dr. Seuss’ *The Lorax* and *How the Grinch Stole Christmas*, all of which have contributed to the studio’s global cultural impact and financial success[1][2]. Illumination has produced 15 feature films to date, averaging $711 million in box office revenue each, with eight of these ranking among the 50 highest-grossing animated films worldwide. Their 2023 release, *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*, set the record for the highest-grossing opening for an animated film and ranks among the top ten animated films of all time[1][2]. The studio is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with its animation facility, Illumination Studios Paris, located in Paris, France[2]. With a global box office gross surpassing $9 billion, Illumination’s success is driven by its focus on memorable characters, culturally relevant storytelling, and strategic partnerships with Universal Pictures. Upcoming projects include *