Carsey-Werner-Mandabach and Paramount Pictures Announce Three-Year Picture Deal

Posted on January 3, 2003

Carsey-Werner-Mandabach (CWM), an independent television studio, has entered into a three-year, first-look agreement with Paramount Pictures. The announcement was made by Sherry Lansing, Chairman, Motion Picture Group of Paramount Pictures. CWM will focus on comedies driven by story and character. Under the agreement, Carsey-Werner-Mandabach will co-finance their motion picture projects with Paramount Pictures. Paramount will hold worldwide distribution rights.

"I've known and admired Marcy, Caryn and Tom for a long time," said Ms. Lansing. "They have an incredible body of work and a tremendous history of success. I am thrilled to be working with them."

"Sherry, John [Goldwyn] and we share the same point of view in wanting to create films that have great comedic values, with content and strong characters with whom we can identify," said Tom Werner. "We have a great passion for this new endeavor and appreciate Sherry and John's genuine excitement in wanting to create this partnership."

Carsey-Werner-Mandabach's current hits are That' 70s Show and Grounded For Life. Other classics in CWM's comedy library include The Cosby Show, Roseanne and 3RD Rock From The Sun. CWM is working on television projects with top names including Steve Martin, Mira Nair, Whoopi Goldberg, Tim Allen and Alan Cumming.

"Comedy is our business," said Caryn Mandabach. "Having been around for a while, we know tons of wildly talented writers, actors and directors. Comedy features are a natural extension of what we already love to do."