Viacom 18 and Paramount pictures have both teamed up to make a contract that will make sure that Paramount films can be released in India. There first project is set to be Michael Bay’s summer blockbuster, Transformers 3 “Dark of the Moon”.

The new alliance between the two corporations will not only benefit India. The films are going to also be distributed to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Other films that they want to include in cinemas after Transformers include “Mission Impossible 4” and J.J Abram’s “Super 8”.

Statements from both companies released say:

“Viacom18 Motion Pictures has built up a very strong presence in the movies business in a short span of time and this strategic alliance with a global major like Paramount Pictures will open up myriad possibilities that will help us further strengthen our presence in this space,” said Haresh Chawla, Group CEO – Viacom 18.

Andrew Cripps, president Paramount Pictures International, says:

“This is a step change for Paramount in one of the fastest growing and most exciting markets internationally. Viacom 18 has positioned itself as one of the most impressive players locally in both distribution and production.”

Viacom has created their own side division within the main company that will help to manage the Paramount Picture division. Viacom 18 is a 50/50 joint venture operation in India between Viacom and the Network 18 group, which is one of India’s biggest media conglomerates with interest in films, television and the internet.