The boss of Paramount defends his project in an open letter to the French industry

After courting Emmanuel Macron, Paramount is turning to French industry.

The Warner Bros. Discovery takeover is not about to run out of steam… After courting Emmanuel Macron and taking legal action against Warner, the CEO of Paramount is speaking to the French industry… with an open heart.

Despite WBD’s decision to favor Netflix’s offer, David Ellison has no intention of letting go.

In an open and reasoned letter addressed to French industry, reported by French filmthe director highlights his love of cinema and the importance of storytelling: “As a producer, always passionate about cinema and television, I am sending you this open letter in order to affirm, clearly and unambiguously, the vital role that audiovisual storytelling plays in our society.”

The boss continues by detailing the commitments that Paramount would make if it were to buy Warner, promising a “increased creative output: Paramount Studios And Warner Bros. Studios will each produce at least 15 quality feature films per year, i.e. a minimum of 30 films per year for the group“. Before turning to the most sensitive subject of the film industry, the economics of theaters: “Each film will benefit from a real theatrical release, respecting the operating windows provided for by the media chronology in France.”

In the last part of his letter, the CEO once again puts his passion for narrative at the center by asserting his position:

“I make these commitments out of love and deep respect for the art of storytelling – particularly on screen – and because I firmly believe that the union of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery represents a unique opportunity to build a true champion serving the creative community (…)”.

A long letter which the leader hopes will tip the scales in his camp.

In the meantime, last Tuesday, it was the boss of Netflix who defended his project against American politicians. Heard by the antitrust subcommittee of the United States Senate, Ted Sarantos, loudly proclaimed that the acquisition of Warner.Bros by the streaming giant “will strengthen the U.S. entertainment industry, preserve choice and value for consumers, and provide more opportunities for creators“. The senators for their part expressed their fears that “Netflix gains even more power over consumers” in a more or less lyrical register: “one platform to rule them all!“.