01 Jul 2019
Paramount rejoins London Resort project as PY Gerbeau named new chief executive
BY Tom Anstey
Just over two years after pulling out of a deal to be the brand lead for a multi-billion pound theme park development in Kent, UK, Paramount Pictures has entered into a new partnership with London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH), re-engaging with the project to supply its iconic IPs.
Since Paramount’s exit from the project, LRCH has signed up ITV Studios to sit alongside its BBC IPs. With Paramount rejoining the project, this will unlock the potential for the addition of iconic franchises such as The Godfather, The Italian Job and Mission Impossible.
The news is coupled with the appointment of PY Gerbeau as chief executive of LRCH. In previous roles, the Frenchman was credited with contributing to the development of Euro Disney in the late 90s and the Millenium Dome in London in 2000. Gerbeau went on to be chief executive of X-Leisure, operator of the Xscape centres and other leisure facilities.
"The new partnership with Paramount is fantastic news for everyone," said Gerbeau. "Now the best of Hollywood will be joining the best of British from BBC Studios and ITV Studios, to create amazing and unique experiences for the whole family.
"Joining LRCH, I can now play my part in helping to create a world-class destination to rival all others. Central to that strategy is to partner with the best brands from across TV, film, music and entertainment. Having Paramount on-board is a major step towards realising that ambition."
The resort, which is scheduled for 2024, will be set over 2.1sq km (0.8sq mi), with 0.8sq km (0.3sq mi) dedicated to rides, experienced and an entertainment district. The site will also feature 3,500 hotel rooms.
“The London Resort represents a truly global resort opportunity and we’re delighted to be playing our part in bringing iconic movies to life in truly immersive experiences and rides," said Kevin Suh, president of Themed Entertainment and Consumer Products for Paramount Pictures. "We’re also delighted, as the most iconic studio in Hollywood, to be sharing our unparalleled catalogue of instantly recognisable films and characters.”
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