Paramount to Sell Its Own U.K. Adverts From 2027
Paramount will sell its own advertising in the U.K. from 2027, the company said at a London event for advertisers. Instead of using outside sales partners, Paramount+ and the free, ad-supported service Pluto TV will handle that work in-house. The Hollywood Reporter reported the details from the event.
The event was an "upfront", the yearly pitch that TV companies make to advertisers about the season ahead. It was held at the Royal Academy of Arts in central London. Lee Sears, president of international ad sales and Paramount Media Labs, led a presentation on what is coming next for Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
The stage was busy with famous faces. Kelly Reilly, who stars in Dutton Ranch, came on to talk about the show. She said Annette Bening and Ed Harris have joined the cast, and that the series is set in South Texas. Filming for season two will start at the beginning of next year.
Other guests included Kenneth Branagh, Peter Sarsgaard and David Glasser, the executive producer of the British crime drama MobLand and chief executive of 101 Studios. Samuel L. Jackson did not attend in person. He sent a video message about Frisco King.
Football fans got a moment too. David Beckham talked about Paramount+'s coverage of the UEFA Champions League, Europe's top club football competition. He also said Beckham & Friends Live will be available outside the United States starting next year.
Paramount+ also released first-look images for The Day, an eight-part bank heist thriller. The cast includes Minnie Driver, Luca Pasqualino and Louisa Harland. First-look images are early pictures that give a preview before a show arrives.
A sizzle reel, a short montage meant to tease upcoming titles, featured Clueless, the event series starring Alicia Silverstone. The reel was one of several moments designed to show advertisers and the press what the services will offer.
For viewers, the ad sales change happens mostly out of sight. The shows on screen are what people will notice, and the presentation gave the first detailed look at several of them.
