Warner Music Group has struck a first-look deal with Paramount, the companies announced Thursday, marking another push for WMG into movie content after it announced a deal with Netflix for documentaries in March.
WMG is home to iconic acts including Led Zeppelin, Madonna, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Charli XCX, Cher, Coldplay and more. The partnership will focus on content “inspired by the lives and music of WMG’s legendary and contemporary roster of notable artists and songwriters,” the companies said, potentially suggesting more music biopics in the future. No projects were detailed in the companies’ announcement.
“This collaboration with Paramount unites two forward-thinking and innovative companies, and together we are taking a new approach to this space,” WMG CEO Robert Kinkel said in a statement. “Every artist deserves to tell the stories behind their life and music in their own creative way, and we are excited to collaborate with our incredible talent and world-class filmmakers to bring these stories to the big screen, growing their audiences around the world.”
In a joint statement, Paramount Pictures co-presidents Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg said: “We are excited to partner with WMG and its exceptional artists to create powerful theatrical experiences inspired by music and talent that defines a generation.”
The WMG-Paramount first look is the latest confirmation that the music company is eyeing movie content as a growth area for its superstar lineup. Meanwhile for Paramount, the deal represents the film industry’s continued interest in music content. Earlier this week, AMC also doubled down on its music business, announcing a partnership with Arena One to stream concerts live from its theaters.
WMG is collaborating with Paramount through production company Unigram, led by Amanda Jost and Gregor Cameron. Unigram is also WMG’s partner in the previously disclosed Netflix doc deal.
“This unprecedented collaboration provides Warner Music artists and songwriters with an incredible opportunity to bring their stories, voices and repertoire to scripted features and animated films,” Jost said in a statement. “This partnership finds new ways to empower creative artists and bring their creative worlds to the screen with music as the central character.”
