Recently, there has been buzz surrounding the top job at Screen Gems, which is being vacated by Steve Bersch. According to inside sources, Paramount EVP Ashley Brucks is the leading candidate for the position. However, it is important to approach this news with caution, as executive talks can often fall through. That being said, Brucks’ track record, particularly with successful horror franchises such as Scream, A Quiet Place, and Paranormal Activity, makes her a strong contender for the role. This article aims to examine Brucks’ qualifications and consider whether she is the right choice to revive Screen Gems.
Brucks has been instrumental in the success of various Paramount horror franchises, including Scream, A Quiet Place, and Paranormal Activity. For instance, Scream VI recently became the third-highest-grossing movie in the Dimension/Spyglass franchise worldwide, earning close to $169 million. Additionally, A Quiet Place, with a global franchise gross of $638.2 million, has proven to be a cash cow. The upcoming spinoff, A Quiet Place: Day One, is highly anticipated by fans and is set to hit theaters on March 8. With such proven success in the horror genre, Brucks’ expertise could undoubtedly benefit Screen Gems as it seeks to revitalize itself.
It is worth noting that Sony has been conducting interviews since June to find a suitable candidate to lead its genre division. The division recently had a major success with Insidious: The Red Door, which grossed $188.5 million and became the highest-grossing film in the Blumhouse franchise. Steve Bersch played a crucial role in securing the Insidious franchise for Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions back in 2010. While Bersch’s departure appears to be amicable, it remains to be seen if his and Brucks’ time at Screen Gems will overlap.
Ashley Brucks boasts an impressive 15-year tenure at Paramount Pictures. She started her career at DreamWorks as a production and development executive before joining Paramount. This extensive experience has given her a deep understanding of the industry and a keen eye for successful projects. While working at Paramount, Brucks served as SEVP Production before becoming Head of Development at Paramount Players. Her elevated position within Paramount Players highlights her ability to foster talent and identify promising projects.
As the top job at Screen Gems awaits a successor, all eyes are on Ashley Brucks, the leading candidate for the position. Her successful track record at Paramount, particularly with horror franchises, makes her a strong contender. However, it is important to remember that executive talks can be unpredictable and subject to change. As Brucks’ potential appointment becomes official, the film industry eagerly awaits the outcome, hoping that her expertise can help revive and strengthen Screen Gems.