David Ellison finally got what he wanted.
After more than a year of political turmoil and external doubts, the Skydance Media founder completed a $8 billion merger with Paramount Global this Thursday.This was not only a commercial victory, but also a persistence of belief. He never retreated in the face of the many doubts about the feasibility of the future of the Paramount Film and Television Empire.
However, the real challenge has just begun.As the newly established chairman and CEO of Paramount Skydance, Ellison must win the trust and support of the creative community.Before the deal was completed, Paramount lacked the strong capital of Disney or Netflix, but it has always been a habitat for many top talents.Keeping these creators, inspiring them, and creating a new series for film, television and streaming platforms will be the key to whether the new company can stand out in the fierce competition.
Movie: Rebuild confidence and rebuild the brand
In the film space, new management is working to maintain and even expand some key "first cooperation" agreements.Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg will dominate the film business, with their important mission to revive Paramount’s film list.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura is undoubtedly one of the core characters.The producer behind Transformers and its spin-off series is an important promoter of Paramount’s box office engine.Equally important is Neal H. Moritz, whose Original Films production company brought the phenomenon-level IP of Sonic the Hedgehog.These two series are not only popular works in the hearts of the audience, but also an important part of Paramount's brand value.
In addition, two highly-anticipated directors are worthy of attention: John Krasinski is preparing to direct and write "Silent Sea 3", and Director of the "Smile" series Parker Finn also brought considerable profit returns to Paramount.Keeping these creative souls is the first step for New Paramount to success.
Star lineup: Stars still shine
Although Hollywood is changing, Ryan Reynolds is still one of the few superstars that can bring box office guarantees.He currently signed a "priority development" agreement with Paramount, and studios naturally hopes that he can continue to lead the blockbuster trend on the screen.Similarly, comedy producer Kenya Barris has become a major partner for Paramount with the success of "The Black-ish".
Even though Damien Chazelle lost millions of dollars to Babylon, the Oscar winner is still regarded as a valuable creative force.Wild Chicken Productions, co-founded with his wife Olivia Hamilton, is about to release a new prison-themed work starring Cillian Murphy and Daniel Craig, which will be released by Paramount.
TV series: Content is king, and there is a steady progress
In terms of TV series, Taylor Sheridan is undoubtedly the most dazzling golden goose.He signed a generous overall contract with MTV Entertainment Studios (which will soon be renamed Paramount TV Studios), and its Bosque Ranch Productions continues to output high-profile works.
The Oscar-nominated screenwriter has just finished the five-season hit series "Yellowstone" and released two prequel series, with the third one being brewing.In addition, he plans to launch multiple spin-offs: one starring Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly, another starring Michelle Pfeiffer on Paramount, and a spin-off that will be aired on CBS and starring Luke Grimes.
Not only that, Sheridan also delivered several high-quality series to Paramount, such as Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King and Landman.It is reported that a spin-off series "Turin Dynasty" set in New Orleans will also start filming next year.
Classic IP: Persistence and Expansion
Trey Parker and Matt Stone and their Park County production company also renewed a five-year contract with Paramount. The $1.5 billion agreement not only ensured that South Park would release another 50 episodes, but also brought all its old and new works exclusively to Paramount, becoming a major eye-catching tool for the platform.
Old creative team: steady output
Robert, owned by CBS Studios
