Glenn Close, Ben Stiller, Jane Fonda, Joaquin Phoenix and 1,000 other Hollywood stars, not only actors but also directors such as Yorgos Lanthimos and Denis Villeneuve, are revolting against Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros.
A $110 billion operation, now in the crucial phase of finalizing, which would give birth to an entertainment and media giant never before seen.
In an open letter published on the website “Block the Merger,” the celebrities attack the merger, arguing that it would damage an industry “already under intense pressure.”
"This transaction would further reduce competition at a time when our industries, and the audiences we serve, cannot afford it," the message reads. "The result will be fewer opportunities for artists, fewer jobs across the entire production ecosystem, higher costs, and reduced choice for audiences in the United States and around the world. Even more alarming, this merger would reduce the number of major American film studios to just four," the Hollywood stars criticized.
Paramount responded promptly with a statement, assuring that "this transaction uniquely combines complementary strengths to create a company capable of greenlighting more projects, backing bold ideas , supporting talent at all stages of their careers, and bringing stories to a truly global audience, while strengthening competition by ensuring more leading players invest in creative talent." "We have consistently reaffirmed our commitment to this: increasing production to a minimum of 30 high-quality feature films per year with full theatrical distribution, continuing to license content, and preserving iconic brands with independent creative leadership," the statement emphasizes. " This ensures creators have more opportunities for their work, not fewer."
However, the open letter from many Hollywood figures demonstrates strong resistance to the agreement among industry insiders who fear the disappearance of mid-budget films, independent productions, and, ultimately, the sustainability of the entire creative community.
(Unioneonline)
