Introduction to David Ellison
David Ellison, the son of billionaire Larry Ellison, has achieved his dream of operating a Legacy Hollywood studio. As a child, he would often go to the cinema with his mother and sister, Megan Ellison, the founder of Annapurna. This sparked his passion for the film industry, and now he is at the helm of Paramount Pictures.
Taking the Reins at Paramount
On Wednesday, Ellison hosted a meet-and-greet for journalists at the famous Melrose property in Hollywood, the home of Paramount Pictures. This event followed a similar one in New York, where the $8 billion deal was officially closed. Ellison expressed his commitment to restoring Paramount as a top destination for talented artists and filmmakers. He emphasized that great filmmakers make great films and that this would be a top priority for the studio.
Prioritizing Film Franchises
Ellison has full control over several film franchises, including Star Trek, GI Joe, and Terminator, which have been dormant or struggling in recent years. The co-film boss, Josh Greenstein, stated that these franchises would be a priority, with the goal of releasing 15 films per year and potentially increasing to 20. Ellison also expressed interest in horror movies, R-rated comedies, and original content.
Revitalizing Star Trek and Other Franchises
Star Trek, which has not been in cinemas since 2016, will be a focus for the studio. Alex Kurtzman has been overseeing the franchise, with a long list of Paramount+ series. The management team plans to take a holistic approach, ensuring that discussions take place across different parts of the company to do what’s best for the brand as a whole.
Paramount+ and Streaming
Ellison recognized the importance of Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan to the health of the streaming service. He praised Sheridan as a "unique genius" and expressed his desire to keep him on board as long as he wants to tell stories. Ellison also emphasized the need for technological increases in efficiency to be a top priority in the coming years.
The New Management Team
Ellison has assembled a team of Hollywood veterans and studio leaders, including former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell, Andy Gordon, and George Cheeks. Cindy Holland, the former TV leader of Netflix, will guide the streaming efforts of the new Paramount, including Paramount+ and Pluto. Ellison’s long-standing confidant, Dana Goldberg, will lead the new Paramount Pictures Studio as co-chair, along with Josh Greenstein.
A New Era for Paramount
Ellison’s vision for Paramount is to create a studio that emphasizes family films, citing classics like The Goonies and Night at the Museum as a north star. The management team is committed to working together to bring Paramount back to its former glory. With a focus on great storytelling, talented filmmakers, and efficient technology, Ellison is poised to lead Paramount into a new era of success.
