Paramount gets Famous with Paddle, Trip sequels

First made-for-DVD title scheduled for January release

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 11/13/2008

NOV. 13 | UPDATE: Paramount Famous Productions is officially in gear, with sequels to Without a Paddle and Road Trip slated as the made-for-DVD division’s initial titles.

As a dedicated DVD premiere division, the Paramount Home Entertainment unit is late to the market segment, as Warner Home Video, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment are among rival studios with long established divisions. But Famous Productions president Louis Feola believes the unit, which launched in February 2007, will contribute compelling content that will particularly speak to DVD fans.

“Our library is virtually untapped as compared to the other studios,” said Feola. “Paramount is new to the category, and we have the best current potential.”

Without a Paddle: Nature’s Calling, streeting Jan. 13 on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, involves a hefty amount of special effects.

The sequel to Road Trip, the title of which hasn’t been specified, should include some returning cast members from the 2000 theatrical comedy. With principal photography wrapping in November, the DVD should street by the first half of 2009.

“With Road Trip, we capture the spirit of the first movie, featuring the mandatory rite of passage, the college road trip,” Feola said.

Famous Productions hopes to bow between five and seven titles annually, either on DVD or digital platforms, or on a combination of both.

“We are pleased that Without a Paddle is coming out of the gate as our first title,” said Feola. “It has really good production values, where there is a lot of money on the screen, and we also have CGI work. We even have a squirrel drinking beer. It’s a fun ride and good adventure.”