Some Of The Greatest Filmmakers Decide To Throw Their Weight Behind The Effort To Save TCM

TV & Film

Jun 29

Filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson are inarguably big names in the game, creating iconic content and generating blockbuster after blockbuster. Their voice on any topic in the media-making sector has weight individually and even more together. According to IndieWire, these directors scheduled a phone call with David Zaslav, the Warner Bros. Discovery CEO, to discuss the recent massive layoffs at Turner Classic Movies.

The trio released a joint statement about their talks thus far, according to Variety. After addressing the value of TCM as a network, they explained, “Earlier this week, David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, got in touch to talk about the restructuring of TCM.” the trio continued, acknowledging the position of the company, “We understand the pressures and realities of a corporation as large as WBD, of which TCM is one moving part.”

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They continued, “We have each spent time talking to David, separately and together, and it’s clear that TCM and classic cinema are very important to him. Our primary aim is to ensure that TCM’s programming is untouched and protected.” The trio wrapped the statement up by stating: “We are heartened and encouraged by the conversations we’ve had thus far, and we are committed to working together to ensure the continuation of this cultural touchstone that we all treasure.”

TCM is one of the latest focuses for Zaslav and the parent company’s revitalization efforts. The company, which was formed in 1994, broadcasts a range of Warner Bros. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films, as well as whatever else they licensed at the time. Top staff members were hit by the layoffs, including the executive vice president and general manager, Pola Changnon; VP of studio production Anne Wilson; senior VP of programming and content strategy, Charles Tabesh; VP of enterprises and strategic partnerships, Genevieve McGillicuddy; and VP of brand creative and marketing Dexter Fedor. Many of the layoffs centered around content and marketing.

Zaslav’s mission has been to return Warner Bros. to its previous status: the home for filmmakers. Efforts have been made to repair the rift between the company and filmmakers that the AT&T era caused, but time will tell their effectiveness.

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