Introduction to Paramount Skydance’s New Regime
The new regime at Paramount Skydance spent their first week after the $8 billion transaction meeting with media business journalists in New York and Los Angeles. CEO David Ellison and other top executives answered questions in separate meetings at the Times Square Paramount office and on the Paramount Studio Lot in Hollywood.
The Vision for Paramount Skydance
The vibe from these meetings was one of excitement and promise. CEO David Ellison and Paramount President Jeff Shell shared their vision for the company, along with other key lieutenants who lead film, television, and streaming. In a recent episode of the "Daily Variety" podcast, moderator Cynthia Littleton and Business Editor Todd Spangler compared notes on the New York and LA Q&A meetings.
Bringing Silicon Valley Expertise
According to Spangler, Ellison emphasized that the company will bring in Silicon Valley expertise that was previously missing, while remaining loyal to its creative roots. Gerry Cardinale, a great investor and head of Redbird Capital, added that they are professional managers who will manage the company’s assets better than before. The message was similar in Los Angeles, with a focus on the resources that the new owners will bring to the table, including infrastructure, technology, and content.
Investing in the Future
Littleton noted that Cardinale was emphatic about investing in the company, with a goal of increasing investment considerably to make Paramount a major player alongside Disney+ and HBO Max. This investment will be crucial in helping the company compete in the ever-changing media landscape.
Focus on Family-Friendly Content
Another key focus for the combined company will be family-friendly content. As the owner of Nickelodeon, a content engine for the company, Paramount is well-positioned to create programming for children and families. Littleton pointed out that both Ellison and Dana Goldberg, who will have a large hand in the company, have made a strong promise to support family programs and programming for children.
Supporting Storytellers
The company is also committed to supporting storytellers, with a loose definition of the term that includes a versatile mix of creators. As noted by Jenelle Riley, Deputy Awards and Features Editor, this approach has created a diverse range of competitors for the company’s "10 Storytellers to See" feature. Riley highlighted the example of Heather Christian, a theater artist who writes books, music, and texts, and also performs and creates swimming programs for adults.
Staying Tuned
To stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments from Paramount Skydance, listeners can tune in to the "Daily Variety" podcast on iHeartPodcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other podcast platforms.
