David Ellison‘s Paramount Pictures has found its new head of domestic theatrical distribution: Shaun Barber.
He’ll arrive at the Paramount lot on Dec. 1, working closely with international distribution chief Mark Viane and reporting directly to Josh Goldstine, the studio’s newly installed president of global marketing and distribution (Viane also reports directly to Goldstine).
Barber, a nearly 29-year industry veteran, joins Paramount from Lionsgate, where he most recently served as co-president of worldwide theatrical distribution.
In his new gig as head of domestic theatrical distribution, he’ll oversee the studio’s North American distribution strategy and operations for all Paramount Pictures theatrical releases.
During his 18 years at Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment, Barber was instrumental in handling such blockbuster franchises as John Wick, The Hunger Games and Twilight, as well as critically acclaimed films including Knives Out, La La Land and The Hurt Locker. Under his leadership, films released through Lionsgate and Summit amassed over $9.3 billion in box office revenue.
Barber began his career at 20th Century Fox in New York before moving to Los Angeles in 1998 to join Warner Bros., where he spent nearly a decade in theatrical distribution.
“Shaun is a deeply respected leader who has spent his career building meaningful partnerships across exhibition and the industry at large. He brings extensive expertise in domestic distribution strategy and will help us strengthen our theatrical business and deliver exceptional experiences for moviegoers,” Goldstine said in a statement.
Added Barber, “I’m honored to join Paramount Pictures at this defining moment in its storied history. I look forward to collaborating with the exceptional team guiding the studio’s next phase of growth. Together with our exhibition partners, we’re committed to championing and elevating the power of the theatrical experience for audiences everywhere.”
More to come.
