David Ellison Visits Warner Bros., Concedes “Turbulent” Start In Meeting With Execs (Exclusive)
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The CEO talked to the Warners' executive leaders but left some feeling unsatisfied. "We were hoping for more," says one insider.
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Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Paramount CEO David Ellison made his first public appearance in front of an expectant Warner Bros. Discovery crowd Tuesday, speaking about his company’s impending acquisition of the Burbank-based studio. Sporting jeans and a dark polo t-shirt, Ellison spoke for less than half an hour to senior leadership (about 150 staffers) in the lot’s Steven J. Ross Theatre. In attendance were motion picture heads Pamela Abdy and Mike De Luca, Warner Bros. TV Group chief Channing Dungey, HBO’s Casey Bloys, head of streaming JB Perrette, and DC Studios co-head Peter Safran, among others. Related Stories Business David Ellison Unveils Sweeping Vision for Warner Bros: "This Is About Reinventing the Business" Movies PGA Awards: Barry Diller Swipes at David Ellison, Harvey Weinstein While Introducing Honoree Jason Blum Ellison’s lieutenant, chief operating officer Andy Gordon, was also in attendance, sources who were in the room where it happened tell The Hollywood Reporter . Ellison and Zaslav had lunch on the Warners lot on March 5 in the executive commissary, but Tuesday’s meeting was a more formal introduction to the team that he will be acquiring in his $111 billion deal that brings together Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, HBO, CBS, CNN and many other major brands. Many in the room were hoping to hear of a plan moving forward or clarity on timetables or layoffs. Many walked away feeling their hopes were dashed. There was a lot of talk of storytelling and coming together, and Ellison was dismissive of reports of huge layoffs. Yet one person who attended the session adds, “We don’t believe him.” Another exec says that Ellison came across as passionate and very much a lover of movies. The CEO says he envisions the combined companies spending more on the c...
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