Business Wars The Battle for Paramount Pictures | Reinventing an Empire | 5
Aug 31, 2022
Doug Herzog, former Viacom executive known for greenlighting iconic shows like South Park, and Matt Belloni, founding member of Puck News, dive into the fascinating history and current challenges of Paramount Pictures. They discuss the studio's evolution from a Hollywood giant to navigating the competitive streaming landscape. Herzog shares insights on the cultural impact of MTV and Comedy Central, while Belloni explores Paramount's strategic missteps and the future of its film library amid the rise of digital platforms.
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MTV's Golden Age
- Doug Herzog joined MTV in 1984 to start the MTV News Department.
- This was during the height of the music video era, with artists like Bruce Springsteen, Prince, and Michael Jackson.
South Park's Origin
- Doug Herzog became president of Comedy Central in 1995, then a joint venture between HBO and MTV/Viacom.
- He greenlit South Park after seeing the "Jesus vs. Santa" video, believing it would generate attention.
Viacom's Pursuit of Paramount
- Sumner Redstone, Viacom's chairman, desired a movie studio, seeing synergy with brands like MTV and Nickelodeon.
- Paramount, with its history and library, became a target, amidst competition from figures like Barry Diller.
