Former Paramount Co-CEO Brian Robbins Goes Digital First With His New Label, Big Shot Pictures, Acquires ‘Eloise’ Rights

It’s not just artists anymore; even studio executives are shifting away from traditional models to embrace a digital-first philosophy.

Brian Robbins, the former co-CEO of Paramount Global and a long-time Nickelodeon executive, has pivoted away from major studio leadership to found Big Shot Pictures, a new family-oriented animation and live-action production company established to explore new ways of developing and distributing kids’ content.

A cornerstone of the company’s launch slate is the acquisition of rights to Kay Thompson’s classic children’s property, Eloise at The Plaza. Robbins plans to develop new animated and live-action versions of the IP, with a strategy emphasizing digital-first exposure and building a fanbase on platforms like YouTube.

Big Shot won’t abandon the studio system entirely, though, and has already agreed to a first-look production deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment, giving the studio priority access to Robbins’ original theatrical features and franchise projects, presumably the ones that break out online.

Of his latest venture, Robbins said:

Big Shot believes that scaled audiences on YouTube are crucial to building awareness and fan love that will create tomorrow’s beloved IP. We will build for how kids actually discover and connect today. The opportunity couldn’t be more clear to us, and the time is now. From reimagining timeless IP to discovering the bold, original ideas by emerging creators, we will work with the most talented artists to bring these stories to life.

The move marks a significant shift for Robbins, whose career includes founding Varsity Pictures and AwesomenessTV, running Nickelodeon, and overseeing Paramount during a period of corporate transition that ended with his departure following the recent merger with Skydance.

Robbins is also an accomplished director, having helmed several well-known studio features in the ’90s and early ’00s, including Good Burger, Varsity Blues, and Ready to Rumble. Before moving behind the camera, he worked extensively as an actor, with guest appearances across numerous popular ’80s and ’90s TV series. He was also a core cast member on Head of the Class, appearing in more than 100 episodes during the show’s original run.