Skydance’s David Ellison on His Plans for Paramount
Jul 8, 2024
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Skydance CEO David Ellison and RedBird Capital's Gerry Cardinale talk about the merger of Paramount Global with Skydance Media, future plans for Paramount and Paramount+, the theatrical business, and how tech will shape storytelling. Matt also shares a prediction about the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The importance of IP, storytelling, and tech integration in Paramount's future under new leadership.
Paramount's strategy to leverage art and technology to rejuvenate the media business for long-term success.
Deep dives
Paramount Global Acquisition
Skydance is investing about $8 billion into Paramount Global, acquiring National Amusements, the Redstone family holding company. The deal includes cashing out stockholders at $15-$23 per share, giving control to David Ellison, a young mogul in the industry. Despite initial complications, the deal showcases money's influence in negotiations and the potential for Paramount's rejuvenation under new leadership.
Strategic Vision for Paramount
David Ellison and Jerry Cardinale emphasize the importance of IP, storytelling, and tech integration in Paramount's future. Their goal is to transform Paramount into a top destination for storytellers by combining Skydance's content engine with Paramount's assets. This strategy aims to leverage art and technology to rejuvenate the media business and ensure long-term success.
Resource and Talent Focus
The deal brings financial resources and talent together to drive Paramount's transition and growth. The investment provides cash flow for investments while focusing on assembling a talented leadership team. The emphasis on art challenging technology and vice versa aims to create a creative culture and ensure Paramount's stability and growth.
Future of Paramount Plus and Theatrical Releases
Paramount Plus remains a significant asset with potential growth, balancing profitability and streaming content strategy. The focus is on building a technology platform and original content for the streaming service. Regarding theatrical releases, Paramount plans to produce more films for theaters, emphasizing bespoke approaches for storytelling and quality content in both traditional and streaming mediums.
Matt is joined by Skydance CEO David Ellison and RedBird Capital's Gerry Cardinale to discuss Ellison’s acquisition of Shari Redstone’s family company and the merger of Paramount Global with Skydance Media. David and Gerry outline what the future holds for Paramount as a media company, including what they intend to do with Paramount+, their thoughts on the theatrical business, and how tech will help shape the future of storytelling (03:11). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the 2024 Summer Olympics (32:40).
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