The Paramount-HBO Max Pitch Scramble: Navigating the Post-Merger Landscape
The entertainment industry is abuzz with the potential merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), a move that could reshape the streaming landscape. This deal, if finalized, will combine Paramount+ with HBO Max, creating a formidable contender against the streaming giant, Netflix. The merger, however, is not without its legal hurdles, as California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, leads a lawsuit to block the deal, citing concerns over market dominance.
This merger presents a unique challenge for content creators and distributors. The combined entity will boast a massive subscriber base, but it also raises questions about leadership and programming strategy. The article highlights a potential power struggle between Paramount+'s Cindy Holland and HBO's Casey Bloys, both highly regarded executives in the industry. This internal conflict could impact the development and acquisition of new programming.
In the meantime, the industry is in a state of flux. While HBO/HBO Max continues its development efforts, the appetite for new content from WBD platforms is uncertain. This uncertainty has led to a cautious approach from agents and producers, who are hesitant to pitch new ideas until the merger is finalized. The WBD presentation at the Upfronts, which barely mentioned HBO Max, further fueled this wait-and-see attitude.
However, the article also provides some insights into the future direction of the combined streamer. Paramount's CFO, Dennis Cinelli, offered a glimpse into the international strategy of the merged entity. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Paramount's global content portfolio, including sports and premium content, while also adding local touches where needed. This approach could make the combined service more competitive in international markets.
The article then delves into specific aspects of pitching to Paramount+ and HBO Max, providing a roadmap for creators and distributors. It highlights the genres that Paramount+ is interested in, such as female-driven thrillers, and the ongoing development slate at CBS, a key part of the Paramount empire. It also discusses the network hours allocated to various CBS Studios shows and the current focus on nixing comedy programming on Paramount+.
Additionally, the article explores the drama programming preferences of HBO execs and the challenges of selling to HBO Max. It emphasizes the importance of a specific pitch model to succeed in this competitive environment. The article concludes by acknowledging the ongoing merger questions and the need for further analysis as the industry adapts to this significant change.
