LAS VEGAS, April 16 - David Ellison, chief executive of Paramount Skydance, used a high-profile appearance at CinemaCon to make a direct pledge to movie theater owners and executives about the future output and release practices of his company if regulators approve its planned $110 billion purchase of Warner Bros Discovery.
Addressing thousands of industry participants gathered in a Las Vegas theater, Ellison said the merged operation would produce a minimum of 30 films per year across both studios. He framed the promise as a personal commitment to exhibitors, delivered face-to-face to the assembled audience.
"I wanted to look every single one of you in the eye and give you my word: Once we combine with Warner Bros, we are going to make a minimum of 30 films annually across both studios," Ellison said.
Ellison pointed to Paramount Skydance's recent increase in titles as evidence of the company’s ability to raise film output. The studio, formed when Paramount Global and Skydance Media completed their merger last August, expects to release 15 movies this year - up from eight in 2025, he said.
In addition to the production pledge, Ellison committed that all of those films would play exclusively in theaters for at least 45 days. The statement drew applause from the crowd, reflecting a long-standing demand from theater operators for a 45-day theatrical exclusivity window.
"People can speculate all they want, but I am standing here today telling you personally that you can count on our complete commitment," Ellison added. "And we’ll show you we mean it."
Not all attendees accepted the assurances. Representatives of exhibition groups and other industry stakeholders have publicly expressed skepticism of the vow and urged regulators to scrutinize or block the proposed deal. Earlier in the convention, the head of a major industry trade group warned that consolidation historically reduces the number of films produced for theaters, a concern cited as a central reason to oppose the transaction.
"Unfortunately, history shows us that consolidation results in fewer films being produced for movie theaters," Cinema United President and CEO Michael O’Leary said.
The competing views at CinemaCon underscore the regulatory and commercial scrutiny facing the proposed acquisition. Ellison’s commitments focus on two core exhibitor priorities - sustained film volume and a guaranteed theatrical window - but industry leaders remain divided on whether those promises will translate into long-term outcomes if the merger is approved.
Contextual note: The assurances were offered in the context of a pending regulatory review of the proposed $110 billion acquisition; exhibitors at the convention voiced both applause and doubt in response.