Paragon signs ‘Hammer’ deal

Paragon, the AIM-listed attractions design, production and fit-out business, has executed an agreement with Exclusive Media for the rights to exclusively use the ‘Hammer’ brand and media to develop, build and operate the visitor attractions.

The worldwide exclusive agreement gives Paragon access to Hammer’s “enormous film catalogue” and intellectual property. This is in line with Paragon’s strategy to create a portfolio of diversified family attractions to create a significant entertainments business. The company’s intention is to design, build, install and operate multiple ‘Hammer House of Horror’ visitor attractions.

Hammer has an illustrious history of successful horror productions, including classics such as The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) and Dracula (1958) through to the 1980s TV anthology series, Hammer House of Horror.

More recently, the return of Hammer to the horror scene was heralded with The Woman in Black, starring Daniel Radcliffe.

Hammer’s next release will be The Quiet Ones starring Jared Harris and Sam Claflin.

Mark Pyrah, CEO of Paragon Entertainment, commented: “Since the Paragon Entertainment Group was created a year ago, the design, build and operation of proprietary and licensed branded attractions has been one of the company’s core strategic priorities. We are delighted to have secured ‘Hammer’ and to be working with such a strong brand. Collaborating with Hammer to manifest this unique and innovative IP in visitor attractions takes Paragon to a new level.

“This combination of heritage and contemporary IP is unique and we believe that the public demand for Hammer is considerable. We look forward to updating the market with further developments in due course.”