Ellison Proposes 30-Title Pact for Theaters in Paramount‑WBD Merger Talks

TL;DR
David Ellison is reportedly offering AMC and Regal three-year, contractually enforceable commitments to guarantee a 30-film annual slate for the Paramount‑WBD merger, including a 45-day exclusive theatrical window and a 90-day streaming moratorium, with penalties for noncompliance. The move aims to counter antitrust concerns in the merger and curb hoarding of output for Paramount+/HBO Max, while Paramount signals willingness to put the pledge in writing; however, industry observers note that more titles don’t guarantee bigger profits, and Paramount’s recent results show pressure on theatrical revenue, leaving the plan uncertain and contingent on the merger timeline.
Topics:entertainmentbusiness#30-film-slate#amc-regal-deal#antitrust-lawsuit#business#paramount-warner-bros-merger#theatrical-windows
- Ellison Offers Theaters Contract Guarantee for Paramount-Warner Bros. 30-Film Annual Slate Variety
- Paramount Making Deals To Theaters For 30 Films A Year Post WBD Acquisition; Cinema United Still Anti-Merger Deadline
- Opinion | David Ellison: In Defense of the Paramount-Warner Deal The New York Times
- The cost of waiting on the biggest merger in Hollywood history nbcnews.com
- Paramount Will Put 30-Film Pledge in Writing to Theater Chains Bloomberg.com
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