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Former Paramount Global co CEO Brian Robbins has launched a new entertainment venture called Big Shot Pictures, an animation focused company aimed at building family friendly franchises for today’s audiences. The company enters the market with significant backing and a clear strategy that reflects Robbins’ long history in children and youth entertainment.
Big Shot Pictures will focus on developing animated and hybrid live action projects designed for theatrical release and streaming platforms. Sony Pictures Entertainment has already entered into a first look theatrical distribution agreement with the company, giving Big Shot an established studio partner as it begins operations. This deal positions the company to bring its projects to the big screen while benefiting from Sony’s global distribution reach.
One of Big Shot Pictures’ first major moves is the acquisition of the rights to Eloise at the Plaza. The beloved children’s book series was created by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight and centers on a mischievous six year old girl who lives at New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel. The character has remained a cultural favorite for generations, and the acquisition signals Big Shot’s intention to reimagine classic intellectual property for modern audiences while preserving its timeless appeal.
Robbins brings decades of experience to the venture. Earlier in his career, he oversaw Nickelodeon during a period when the network strengthened its connection with young viewers. He also co founded AwesomenessTV, a digital media company focused on tween audiences that was later acquired by DreamWorks Animation. In addition, Robbins founded Tollin Robbins Productions, which produced successful television series such as All That, Kenan and Kel, and Smallville. These projects helped shape youth entertainment across television and digital platforms.
At Paramount, Robbins worked to reinvigorate the studio’s film division. During his tenure, the company released major box office successes including Top Gun Maverick, Sonic the Hedgehog, and The Naked Gun. However, his efforts were complicated by ongoing attempts by Shari Redstone to sell the company. The uncertainty surrounding Paramount’s future made long term planning difficult, and the studio later faced box office challenges with underperforming releases such as The Running Man and Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning.
Big Shot Pictures aims to differentiate itself in the crowded family entertainment space through its development approach. Rather than relying solely on traditional pipelines, the company plans to test proof of concept content on digital platforms such as YouTube. By observing how audiences respond, Big Shot will determine which properties resonate most strongly before expanding them into full length theatrical films and streaming series. The company also plans to extend its franchises into gaming, consumer products, and live experiences.
In announcing the launch, Robbins confirmed that Big Shot Pictures has secured strategic investment from Greycroft, Sony Pictures, MarcyPen Capital Partners, ValueAct Capital, and CAA. The company is represented legally by Matthew Johnson of Johnson Shapiro Slewett and Kole LLP and David Hernand of Simpson Thacher and Bartlett LLP.
Robbins described the company’s mission as one rooted in understanding how children discover stories today. He emphasized a commitment to reimagining classic properties while also supporting bold original ideas from emerging creators. With strong financial backing, an experienced leadership team, and a clear creative vision, Big Shot Pictures enters the animation space positioned to make a meaningful impact.
