Executives

As President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution, Jim Tharp is responsible for overseeing the U.S. distribution of theatrical releases from Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, MTV Films, Nickelodeon Movies, and DreamWorks Animation SKG. In addition, he oversees theatrical distribution operations, in-theater marketing and non-theatrical, distribution with the exception of television.

Since joining Paramount in February 2006, Tharp has managed the release of a number of successful films including the record-breaking thriller "Cloverfield," the family adventure film "The Spiderwick Chronicles," the Oscar®-nominated "Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," the CGI-animated "Bee Movie," the performance capture epic "Beowulf" and two films released in the summer of 2007 that grossed more than $300 million: the CGI-animated "Shrek the Third" and the Michael Bay-directed "TRANSFORMERS." Other recent successes include "Dreamgirls," "Freedom Writers," "Norbit," the critically-acclaimed drama "Zodiac," "Shooter," "Blades of Glory" and the sleeper hit "Disturbia."

Before Paramount, Tharp served as Head of Distribution at DreamWorks. During his five-year tenure there, he managed the distribution activities for a host of Oscar®-winning and hit films including "Shrek," winner of the first-ever Academy Award® for Best Animated Film, the clay-animated "Wallace & Gromit Curse of the Were-Rabbit, 2005's Oscar® winner for Best Animated Film, two consecutive Best Picture Oscar® winners, "Gladiator" and "American Beauty," as well as Steven Spielberg's award-winning World War II drama, "Saving Private Ryan" starring Tom Hanks, which was the top grossing feature film of 1998. Tharp also managed the distribution of Shrek 2," the top-grossing animated feature of all time, and the computer animated hits "Shark Tale" and "Madagascar."

During his 25-year career with General Cinema Corporation, Tharp held a number of senior management positions including Senior Vice President of Film and Film Marketing. In that role, Tharp managed the company's 1,187-screen circuit, and played a key role in its operations and real estate departments. Tharp joined General Cinema Corporation in 1970 as an assistant film buyer. In 1975, he was promoted to regional film buyer for the southern U.S. region, and four years later he became Regional Vice President. In 1983, Tharp was elevated to Vice President of Film, and in 1987, was named Senior Vice President of Film. Tharp began his motion picture career in 1966 in the sales departments at Warner Bros.