paramount-logo.jpgUPDATED: Don’t you just love it when, after making $400M in 5 days on a monster hit like Transformers 2, a studio starts firing people? That’s the situation at Paramount today as new leader Adam Goodman is wielding the layoff ax. This morning, he gutted New York’s literary and development offices. Today he’s been meeting with the studio’s creative group. Let go are head of Physical Production Georgia Kacandes, SVP of production Ben Cosgrove, EVP of production Dan Levine, SVP of visual effects Kim Locascio, head of casting Gail Levin, Paramount Vantage chief Guy Stodel, NYC literary rep Aimee Shieh, and NYC creative exec Mac Hawkins. This looks like Goodman cleaning house after John Lesher and Brad Weston were ousted: Kacandes, Stodel and Levin were brought in by Lesher, while Cosgrove and Levine were put in place by Weston. Goodman sent this memo around to employees explaining the changes in Paramount’s production department:

“As you know, last week we announced that we would be streamlining the leadership of the production organization.  As an extension of that process and with the goal of managing the business for the long term, I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the changes we’re making.

Today, we are reducing our production workforce by 31 people across some departments.  These cuts represent a mix of job eliminations, layoffs and reorganizations in creative, casting and physical production, as well as the Paramount Vantage label.  People whose positions are being impacted are being notified today, and supervisors are working through a transition plan with these employees.

While this reduction is small relative to the full strength of our organization, its size did not make our decisions any easier.  The great contributions made by these colleagues will be felt at the studio for years to come.  But in order to create an environment that is efficient while at the same time maximizes the considerable talent we are fortunate to have, these moves were essential.  In today’s challenging environment, we need to be a nimble organization, with a sharp focus, promoting a culture where our best work can get even better.  I believe our new structure will allow us to do exactly that.”

Editor-in-Chief Nikki Finke - tip her here.