Viacom18 to distribute Paramount movies in India

New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Viacom18 Motion Pictures has inked a deal with Paramount Pictures International to distribute the latter's theatrical releases here. Michael Bay's 'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon', hitting theatres July 1, is their first project.

The alliance will see Viacom18 Motion Pictures distribute Paramount's theatrical releases in India as well as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. After 'Transformers', Viacom18 will take it forward with forthcoming releases like director J.J. Abrams' 'Super 8', which is produced by Steven Spielberg, and Tom Cruise-starrer 'Mission Impossible 4'.

'Viacom18 Motion Pictures has built up a very strong presence in the movies business in a short span of time and this strategic alliance with a global major like Paramount Pictures will open up myriad possibilities that will help us further strengthen our presence in this space,' said Haresh Chawla, Group CEO - Viacom 18.

Andrew Cripps, president Paramount Pictures International, says he's looking forward to continuing to grow and expand their presence in India with the alliance.

'This is a step change for Paramount in one of the fastest growing and most exciting markets internationally. Viacom 18 has positioned itself as one of the most impressive players locally in both distribution and production,' he said.

Viacom18 Motion Pictures has created an independent operating unit, within its division, which will handle the Paramount Pictures business.