WBD, HBO Adjust Theatrical and Home Video Release Windows

David Ellison, the chairman and CEO of Paramount, has recently issued an open letter to the creative community in the U.K. This letter outlines his commitments if Paramount successfully acquires Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which has recently made headlines by negotiating a significant deal to sell its studios and streaming operations to Netflix.

WBD and HBO Adjust Their Release Windows

In his letter, Ellison emphasizes a commitment to both theatrical and home video release strategies, highlighting the importance of preserving iconic brands like HBO. He articulates a vision for “increased creative output” that aims to expand storytelling opportunities and audience reach.

Key Commitments Made by Ellison

• Enhanced Film Production: Paramount and Warner Bros. studios are set to produce a minimum of 30 quality feature films per year, fueling job creation in the creative sectors.
• Support for Third-Party Content: The studios will continue to foster a vibrant ecosystem by licensing content to various platforms while actively acquiring works from independent producers.
• HBO’s Independence: HBO will remain a standalone entity under Paramount’s ownership, ensuring it retains its ability to generate acclaimed content.
• Theatrical Release Commitment: Every film will have a minimum global theatrical window of 45 days, with a goal of extending this to 60-90 days for highly successful releases.
• Home Video Strategy: Films will transition to standard industry home video windows, maintaining a window for paid video-on-demand before streaming availability.

Ellison argues that a merger between Paramount and WBD would significantly enhance competition, positioning the combined company as a robust alternative to Netflix. He states that this aligns with his belief in providing audiences with greater choices and preserving the competitive spirit in filmmaking and content creation.

Ellison concludes by reaffirming his commitment to protecting the art of film and television, a vital medium that connects diverse audiences and enriches society. His drive for this acquisition reflects a profound belief in visual storytelling’s enduring significance.