The consolidation of Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery is entering its operational phase, becoming the largest transformation in the entertainment sector in a decade. David Ellison is taking the helm of the new conglomerate, which plans to release 30 high-budget films annually. However, the transaction is causing major controversy in Poland over the future of TVN station, and financial analysts are warning of record debt that has pushed Paramount's credit rating to junk bond status.

Production of 30 films per year

The integrated Paramount and Warner Bros. studios plan to release 15 of their own theatrical productions each, which is intended to strengthen the film market.

Game of Thrones film

A theatrical project about Aegon the Conqueror has been officially confirmed, representing a strategic move towards exploiting the strongest brands.

Uncertain future for TVN

Employees of the Polish station fear a change in its ideological profile under pressure from the new, conservative owners from the USA.

The process of creating a new global media hegemon through the merger of Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is causing tectonic shifts in Hollywood. David Ellison, the head of Skydance studio, is emerging as a key architect of the new structure, which is set to challenge Netflix's dominance. The strategy involves each studio producing about 15 theatrical films per year, resulting in an unprecedented total of 30 releases annually. This aims to revitalize the traditional cinema model and attract subscribers to the combined streaming platforms Paramount+ and Max (formerly HBO Max). However, the industry's enthusiasm is dampened by the financial situation; rating agencies have assigned Paramount junk status due to massive debt. Hollywood's history is one of cycles of major consolidations. In 2019, Disney acquired 21st Century Fox for $71 billion, setting the standards for the fight over content libraries in the digital subscription era for years to come. Parallel to the merger, Warner Bros. announced a return to the most profitable brand of the last decade. Work on a full-length theatrical film set in the 'Game of Thrones' universe has been officially confirmed. The production will tell the story of Aegon the Conqueror, with the screenplay entrusted to Mattson Tomlin, known for his work on the series 'Andor'. The decision to bring Westeros to the big screen is interpreted as an attempt to stabilize revenue in the face of the uncertain stock market fortunes of the new entity. Meanwhile, in Poland, the situation is causing panic in TVN's editorial offices. As the new owners are associated with Donald Trump's circle, speculation is emerging about the station possibly becoming similar to TV Republika. Political journalists fear that reforming the programming line will be the price for the favor of American regulatory bodies. „Everything is for sale, if the price is right.” — David Zaslav Market analysts are drawing attention to David Zaslav, who reportedly sold WBD shares worth $114 million just before the talks were finalized. Despite the controversy, the chairman of the FCC suggests the transaction will gain swift acceptance from the government administration in Washington. For the Polish viewer, the key question remains whether the new owner will treat TVN as a crown jewel or merely as an asset destined for deep ideological and financial restructuring as part of global operational cost-cutting.

Mentioned People

  • David Ellison — Head of Skydance and a new key figure in the combined media structures.
  • David Zaslav — CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, accused of significant share sales before the merger.
  • Mattson Tomlin — Screenwriter responsible for the upcoming film in the Game of Thrones universe.