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After the announcement of the planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Global, the first details regarding the strategy of the new movie giant have emerged. One of the main assumptions is a significant increase in the number of theatrical premieres. After the merger of both companies, the new group plans to release about 30 major films a year, with 15 productions from each studio. This is a clear increase compared to the current situation – in recent years, Paramount has released an average of about 8-9 theatrical films per year, while Warner Bros. has released about 10-12.
The biggest franchises under one roof
If the transaction is approved by regulators, the new company will control many of the most recognizable film brands in the world. The portfolio will include series such as Harry Potter, Mission: Impossible, The Lord of the Rings, as well as the DC Universe. Additionally, popular productions like Game of Thrones, Transformers, Star Trek, and SpongeBob SquarePants will be included. Such a wide library of IP is intended to ensure a steady influx of high-budget productions to theaters.
Cinemas still have an important minimum of 45 days exclusivity
Paramount has also announced that it will maintain the classic model of film distribution. Each production is to receive a minimum of 45 days of exclusive presence in cinemas before moving to digital distribution (VOD). In practice, this means that the biggest productions can remain on the big screen for even 60-90 days before appearing on streaming platforms such as HBO Max or Paramount+. This approach stands in contrast to the strategy of Netflix, which often releases films directly in streaming.
However, not all analysts believe that the plan is realistic. Some experts in the film industry think that 30 major premieres a year may be difficult to maintain. Organizations related to the cinema industry also emphasize that large studio mergers often lead to a reduction in the number of films produced, rather than an increase.
If the acquisition of Warner Bros by Paramount is approved, one of the largest players in the history of the film industry will be created. The plan for 30 theatrical releases per year could significantly impact the future of Hollywood and cinemas around the world. For now, however, everything depends on the decision of regulators and whether studios can actually maintain such an ambitious production pace.
Source: FlatpanelsHD
