Paramount to oversee its licensing
By Staff
Playthings -- 4/9/2007 7:31:00 AM
HOLLYWOOD, Calif.—Licensing efforts for several Viacom feature film-related units previously guided by Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products will now be led by a new division, Paramount Licensing.
Paramount Licensing will oversee worldwide licensing and merchandising for films and related product categories, including programs for Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon Movies, and MTV Films, from the Paramount Pictures’ Hollywood offices. Paramount Licensing programs will extend across a broad range of categories, including consumer products, book publishing, themed restaurants, theme parks and location-based entertainment, live stage plays and film clip licensing.In making the announcement, Rob Moore, Paramount's president of worldwide marketing, distribution and home entertainment, said: "The recent expansion of our digital and global distribution businesses has created a wide range of new merchandising and licensing opportunities for Paramount. Paramount Licensing will continue to be led by Michael Bartok, who was named executive vice president of licensing, in October 2006, reporting to Moore. Previously, Bartok held a variety of senior positions within Viacom companies.
"Mike's extensive relationships with international licensees and intimate knowledge of our brands will be a major asset as we take full advantage of our global opportunities and take our licensing operations in new directions," Moore said.

It is clear that the most efficient and effective way forward for Paramount is to have direct oversight over the exploitation of their properties. The direct advantage is a great opportunity for Paramount. It's a fresh new direction and looks like they will be heading the right way. Everything wil be under their own suupervision increasing the companies own profits.

By: Michelle Petreski