AceShowbiz - Warner Music Group (WMG) and Paramount Pictures have entered a multi-year, first-look agreement to develop theatrical films inspired by the lives and music of WMG’s artists and songwriters, the companies announced on Thursday, May 7.

This partnership will involve WMG’s production affiliate Unigram, a film and theater company led by former Epic Records president Amanda Ghost and producer Gregor Cameron. Unigram will collaborate closely with WMG artists, songwriters, and their estates to develop each project.

The roster of WMG boasts iconic musicians including David Bowie, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, and Led Zeppelin. These legendary names will form the creative foundation for the upcoming films.

Robert Kyncl, CEO of WMG, described the partnership as a union of two innovative companies aiming to bring fresh storytelling to the big screen. He emphasized that every artist deserves the opportunity to share the stories behind their music in their own unique way. This collaboration will connect WMG’s extraordinary talent with world-class filmmakers, enhancing their global reach.

From the Paramount Pictures side, co-chairs Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg expressed excitement about working with WMG and its artists to create compelling theatrical experiences rooted in generation-defining music and artistry.

Both WMG and Unigram are represented by the talent agency William Morris Endeavor (WME), supporting the collaboration’s strategic development.

Amanda Ghost, who produced and supervised the music for the 2021 Billie Holiday biopic The United States vs. Billie Holiday, highlighted the unprecedented nature of this collaboration. She noted that it offers WMG artists and songwriters a remarkable opportunity to bring their stories, sounds, and catalogues to life through scripted feature films and animated projects, with music serving as a central narrative element.

Paramount has previously ventured into artist-driven films, such as the 2019 Elton John biopic Rocketman and the upcoming Bob Marley film One Love, slated for 2024. The studio has also released music documentaries like Stans, produced by Eminem and released on Paramount+ in August, and Ozzy: No Escape From Now, which premiered on Paramount+ in October.

This agreement with Paramount complements another recent partnership that WMG has with Netflix. Announced in March, that deal focuses on creating documentary series and films centered on the label’s extensive artist roster. Unigram is also the production partner for this Netflix collaboration.

Through these strategic alliances, WMG is expanding the ways its artists’ legacies and stories are told, blending music, film, and storytelling to cultivate deeper connections with audiences worldwide.

By leveraging its extensive catalog and creative expertise, WMG is positioning itself at the forefront of music-based theatrical storytelling, offering fans an immersive experience that celebrates the artists’ cultural impact and creative journeys.