Nickelodeon & Paramount Animation Restructures: Naito to Focus Solely on Features
HOLLYWOOD, CA – August 26, 2024 – A significant restructuring at Paramount Global is shifting leadership responsibilities for its animation divisions. Ramsey Naito, currently overseeing animation for both Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, will now concentrate exclusively on animated features for Paramount, according to sources at deadline.This change comes as Paramount separates the oversight of its film and television animation studios.
The move marks the end of a unified animation leadership structure established under Brian Robbins,who previously oversaw both Paramount Pictures and nickelodeon. Under Robbins, Naito served as his key lieutenant, managing animation across both feature films for Paramount and television series for Nickelodeon, the latter thru the Nickelodeon Animation Studio.
A Shift in Corporate Structure
The new organizational chart, revealed Monday, places Paramount’s feature animation under the direction of Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, Co-Chairs of Paramount Pictures. Television animation, including Nickelodeon, now falls under George Cheeks, Chair of TV Media, with both Nickelodeon and Nickelodeon TV Studios reporting to him. The re-emergence of the “Nickelodeon TV Studios” moniker suggests a renewed focus on the studio’s television production capabilities.
This separation signals a strategic realignment within Paramount, perhaps allowing for more focused growth and production strategies for each division.
Naito’s Rise and impact at Nickelodeon
Naito joined Nickelodeon in 2018 as Executive Vice President (EVP) of Animation Production and Development, quickly revitalizing the studio’s animation output in both scale and creative ambition. She was promoted to President of Nickelodeon Animation in September 2020, gaining responsibility for all animation content across the network’s platforms – including linear television, digital channels, TV movies, theatrical releases, and streaming via SVOD.
Her oversight expanded to include Paramount Animation in September 2021 following Brian robbins’ appointment as President and CEO of Paramount Pictures.
During her tenure at Nickelodeon Animation, Naito spearheaded the launch of the network’s largest-ever animation slate, boasting over 70 projects in development at the Nickelodeon Animation Studio and forging partnerships with prominent talent and creators.A Veteran of Animated Film & Television
Naito’s career spans decades in the animation industry. Before joining Nickelodeon,she was a producer on DreamWorks Animation’s Oscar-nominated The Boss Baby,earning a Producers Guild of America (PGA) nomination for Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures.
Her prior experience includes producing roles at Blue Sky Studios, Cartoon Network (as Head of Movies), and Nickelodeon Movies (as Vice President of Development & Production). Her extensive producer credits include:
Scooby-doo! The Mystery Begins (2009)
Barnyard (2006)
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)
The Wild Thornberrys Movie (2002)
Hey Arnold! The Movie (2002)
Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001) – Oscar Nominated
Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (2000)
south Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
Key Takeaways:
Leadership Split: Paramount is separating the leadership of its feature film and television animation divisions.
Naito’s New Focus: Ramsey Naito will now solely focus on animated features for Paramount. Nickelodeon’s New Leadership: George Cheeks will oversee Nickelodeon and Nickelodeon TV Studios.
Expanded Slate: Naito oversaw the launch of Nickelodeon’s largest animation slate in its history.
* Extensive Experience: Naito brings decades of experience in both film and television animation to her role.
