Warner Music Group (WMG) and Paramount Pictures have struck a multi-year, first-look deal to develop theatrical films that will draw on the lives and music of WMG’s roster of artists and songwriters, the companies announced on Thursday (May 7). WMG’s production partner Unigram — the film/theater firm run by former Epic Records president Amanda Ghost and film/TV producer Gregor Cameron — will develop each project in collaboration with WMG artists and songwriters and their estates.
WMG’s roster includes such legendary artists as David Bowie, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin and Led Zeppelin.
“This collaboration with Paramount unites two forward-looking and innovative companies, and together we’re taking a fresh approach to the space,” Robert Kyncl, CEO of WMG, said in a statement. “Every artist deserves to tell the stories behind their life and music in their own creative way, and we’re excited to partner with our incredible talent and world-class filmmakers to bring these stories to the big screen, growing their audiences around the world.”
Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg, co-chairs of Paramount Pictures, added, “We’re excited to partner with WMG and their extraordinary artists to create powerful theatrical experiences inspired by generation-defining music and talent.”
WMG and Unigram are both represented by William Morris Endeavor (WME).
“This unprecedented collaboration provides Warner Music artists and songwriters with the incredible opportunity to bring their stories, sounds and repertoire to scripted features and animated films,” said Ghost, who produced and supervised the music for the 2021 Billie Holiday biopic The United States vs. Billie Holiday, in a statement. “This partnership finds new ways to empower iconic artists and to bring their creative worlds to the screen with music as a central character.”
Paramount has made forays into artist-focused films in the past, including the Elton John biopic Rocketman in 2019 and Bob Marley: One Love in 2024. It has also released documentaries including the Eminem-produced Stans, released on Paramount+ in August, and Ozzy: No Escape From Now, which arrived on Paramount+ in October.
This isn’t the only recent deal WMG has made for music biopics. In March, the label announced a partnership with Netflix that will see the streamer make documentary series and films exploring the company’s roster. Unigram is also WMG’s partner in the deal with Netflix.
