California Pictures was originally founded in 1944 by Howard Hughes and Academy Award winner Preston Sturges. The two joined forces and created an independent production company which allowed California Pictures to welcome the rise of independent producers during the late 1940's.rnCalifornia Pictures was reincorporated in 2008 by Steven Istock and is based at Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood, California. The company is focused on creating great movies and television content with dynamic characters, strong and personally identifiable themes and powerful journeys for a worldwide audience.