Telepictures’ Paratore Launches New Venture

BURBANK, August 22: Jim Paratore, the president of
Telepictures Productions and executive VP of Warner Bros. Domestic Television
Distribution, will launch a full-service television production company,
paraMedia inc., that will have an exclusive overall deal with the Warner Bros.
Television Group.

paraMedia’s primary focus will be syndicated programming,
produced in association with Telepictures Productions, and prime-time
non-scripted reality programs and low-budget scripted series in association
with the recently founded Warner Horizon Television. The venture will also
develop new media content for digital platforms, such as the
Telepictures-produced TMZ.com, a 24/7 on-demand entertainment news network on
the web.

Paratore will become an executive producer of Telepictures’ The
Ellen DeGeneres Show alongside current
executive producers Mary Connelly, Ed Glavin, Andy Lassner and Ellen DeGeneres.

“We are
thrilled to have the opportunity to align ourselves with Jim as he launches his
new company,” said Bruce Rosenblum, the president of the Warner Bros.
Television Group. “Jim possesses the unique talents of a strong businessman,
fierce salesman, astute producer and innovative creator. His 19-year tenure at
Warner Bros. and Telepictures speaks for itself through such hits as The
Bachelor, The Rosie O’Donnell
Show, Ellen, Extra
and more. I can think of no better person than Jim to seamlessly segue from a
TV executive to an entrepreneurial producer. He clearly has the talent,
experience and relationships to make paraMedia the next TV powerhouse among
Warner Bros.’ roster of hit makers.”

“Starting my own production company is the best way to
utilize everything I’ve learned over the last 20-plus years in the television
business,” said Paratore. “As the media landscape continues to evolve, the one
constant is content. This company will enable me to be entrepreneurial and
develop content across the entire spectrum during this exciting time, and I
can’t tell you how pleased I am to be able to do it in partnership with all of
the great people at Warner Bros.”

paraMedia is expected to have series in development for the
2007-2008 television season.