Ellison commits to theatrical minimums for Paramount movies
Ellison commits to theatrical minimums for Paramount movies
Viewers may be in for a longer wait to see Paramount-distributed films on streaming.
Paramount Skydance is trying to turn back the clock. Not only is the company plotting a revival of its cable networks at a time when most other media firms are attempting to shrink their linear footprints, but PSKY CEO David Ellison has now recommitted his company to longer theatrical windows for Paramount movies before they arrive on streaming.
Key Details:
- Swinging by: Ellison stopped by CinemaCon unexpectedly to tell exhibitors the good news.
- Three-month wait: Paramount movies will not reach Paramount+ until at least 90 days after reaching theaters.
- Making the rounds: The CEO is trying to allay fears in Hollywood over Paramount’s merger with WBD.
Ellison stepped onto the stage at CinemaCon in Las Vegas this week to tell the audience that his company would remain committed to a 45-day window for its films before sending them to premium video-on-demand (PVOD) rental platforms like Prime Video. Meaning that Paramount films would have the opportunity to be cinema exclusives for up to a month and a half.
The CEO also said that films would take at least 90 days to reach subscription video-on-demand streaming — i.e., Paramount+. Previously, Paramount windows stuck to the 45-day minimum agreed to years ago by theater chains and studios, but release windows for movies before hitting Paramount+ would fluctuate, often ending before the 90-day period now guaranteed to exhibitors.
Ellison also reiterated his pledge to release at least 30 films a year if and when Paramount completes its purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery. Presumably, his comments about streaming windows are intended to cover Warner Bros. films in that eventuality as well, meaning viewers shouldn’t expect to see such movies arrive on HBO Max before the three-month period has elapsed.
Hollywood has been trepidatious about the idea of Paramount purchasing WBD, fearing it will lead to fewer movies produced and fewer jobs as a result. This week, an open letter signed by over 1,000 actors, producers, and other creatives opposing the merger was published online. Now, Ellison is making the rounds to try to allay Tinseltown’s fears.
A longer theatrical window for Paramount movies isn’t the only change the company is making with its streaming services. Paramount recently announced plans to combine all of its streamers on a single tech stack, and is working to fold the BET+ library into that of Paramount+ as well.
Paramount Plus
Paramount+ is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 40,000+ TV show episodes from BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and more. Get free access with a Walmart+ subscription.
Paramount+ includes “1883,” “Tulsa King,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” and “PAW Patrol.” Subscribers can watch the NFL, college football, The Masters, college basketball, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Serie A, and NWSL. The service also offers the option to watch your live CBS affiliate. The upgraded ad-free package includes premium movies and shows from Showtime.