CBS Films
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production and distribution |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Defunct | 2019 |
| Fate | Absorbed into CBS Entertainment Group |
| Headquarters | United States , United States |
| Parent | CBS Corporation |
CBS Films Inc. was a U.S.-based film production and distribution entity established in 2007 as a division of CBS Corporation. It functioned as a mini-major studio until ceasing operations in 2019.
The company’s objective was to produce and distribute approximately four to six films each year, with individual budgets averaging $50 million. In October 2019, CBS Films shifted its focus toward creating television movies for CBS All Access (now Paramount+), reflecting a strategic realignment with changing industry trends.
Background
The CBS network originally created CBS Films, Inc. in 1952 to serve as its syndication branch, which was renamed CBS Enterprises in 1968 and subsequently became Viacom in 1970. Following the enactment of the 1972 fin-syn law, CBS was compelled to divest this unit. CBS also briefly engaged in film production through Cinema Center Films (1967–1972) and later launched CBS Theatrical Films in 1979. During this era, CBS co-founded TriStar Pictures alongside Columbia Pictures and HBO, but exited the partnership in 1985 coinciding with the closure of CBS Theatrical Films. In 2000, Viacom acquired CBS, bringing it under the same corporate umbrella as Paramount Pictures.
Company history
Following the 2005 Viacom split that left Paramount with Viacom, CBS Corporation introduced CBS Films in March 2007, appointing Bruce Tobey to oversee business affairs, legal matters, finance, and video distribution. Amy Baer was named president and CEO in September 2007. With CBS maintaining ownership of Showtime and Viacom launching Epix in 2009, CBS Films sought to develop content suitable for these platforms. On November 17, 2009, CBS entered into a three-year international distribution agreement with Sony Pictures.
The establishment of CBS Films coincided with significant restructuring at major studios such as MGM, Miramax, and Warner Independent Pictures. Utilizing its parent company’s extensive advertising resources—from broadcast outlets to outdoor billboards—provided CBS Films with a notable marketing advantage.
CBS Films’ inaugural release was Extraordinary Measures in January 2010, followed by the romantic comedy The Back-up Plan in April. Its third film, the action feature Faster starring Dwayne Johnson, underperformed at the box office with a $12 million opening during the Thanksgiving weekend. In August 2010, CBS acquired distribution rights for the remake The Mechanic. Leadership adjustments included replacing COO Bruce Tobey with Wolfgang Hammer in November 2010.
After distributing five films with limited commercial success—only one exceeding $30 million—CBS Films altered its approach in March 2011 from producing films to acquiring them. Amy Baer left her post upon contract expiration in October 2011, leaving senior management responsible for overseeing the division.
On April 23, 2012, CBS Films appointed Wolfgang Hammer and Terry Press as co-presidents. Press took charge of creative development, distribution, marketing, and production functions; Hammer managed business operations including finance and acquisitions. Under Hammer’s guidance, CBS became a prominent film acquirer; its most notable acquisition was Inside Llewyn Davis, purchased for $4 million. The film earned Cannes’ Grand Prix and received multiple Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
Hammer transitioned to a digital consulting role in July 2014. In 2015, distribution and worldwide sales responsibilities for CBS Films were assumed by Lionsgate. In 2017, the studio financed actor Justin Baldoni’s directorial debut based on an original screenplay by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis.
On January 12, 2019, reports revealed that after releasing four theatrical titles that year, CBS Films would be absorbed into the main CBS Entertainment Group to concentrate on original programming for CBS All Access. Its final theatrical release was Jexi, which premiered on October 11, 2019. The December 4, 2019 merger forming ViacomCBS reunited Paramount Pictures with CBS, making a separate theatrical division unnecessary.
See also
- Articles with short description
- Former film and television production firms in the United States
- Obsolete American film studios
- American enterprises founded in 2007
- Film distribution companies in the United States
- Entertainment firms founded in 2007
- Mass media enterprises established in 2007
- American businesses closed in 2019
- Entertainment companies closed in 2019
- Mass media businesses closed in 2019
- 5
- American companies established in 2007
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment