Viacom Animation

Viacom Animation (formerly Richard Gordon & Associates from 1968 to 1987) is an American animation company owned by Viacom that existed from 1968 to 1996, when it was folded into Paramount Feature Animation.

1968-1987: Richard Gordon & Associates
In 1968, Richard Gordon, a CalArts graduate started out an animated studio of its own, Richard Gordon & Associates. Gordon hired several former employees of Paramount Cartoon Studios (formerly Famous Studios) to join the company, and inherited much of its staff. Gordon stuck a deal with Paramount Pictures to distribute its feature films, and Gordon was a longtime partner with Paramount, thus achieving its biggest success.

The first film The Adventured of Hansel & Gretel came out in 1971, and it was a critical and commercial success, setting the map for Paramount's future animated titles.

1987-1996: Viacom Animation
In 1987, Viacom bought out the studio, and decided to rename it as Viacom Animation. Around the same time, Viacom acquired MTV Networks, which included its Nickelodeon channel, and MTV, as well as VH1.

In 1994, Richard Gordon was appointed by Sherry Lansing, and decided to start out Paramount Feature Animation. Meanwhile, Leslie Gordon was appointed head of animation.

In 1996, Viacom Animation was dissolved, and it was folded into Paramount Feature Animation.