![]() That comes from us, not just someone who the day before was working on MILF Manor.” The Warner Bros. ![]() We’re trying to present these movies in a way that honors the filmmakers and contextualizes the time in which they were made. “What that shows is a fundamental misunderstanding or willful ignorance about how TCM works,” says an insider. WBD began looking to save money by creating “centers of excellence” - for example, eliminating a marketing executive dedicated exclusively to TCM and assigning the network to a team of marketing staff who also handled other channels, such as HGTV. “By last fall, they were already cutting people, trying to shrink down the human footprint,” says one informed source. Laden with debt and desperately looking to cut costs, WBD management has been chipping away at the channel for some time. Spielberg, Scorsese and Anderson issued a statement that they were heartened by the talks. According to a source, they discussed ways in which they would get more involved to support the channel one of Zaslav’s wishes was to get more celebrities booked to talk about film. Zaslav then called Scorsese, who called Spielberg, who called Anderson eventually the four men ended up on a Zoom call that the directors found reassuring. Despite the cuts to areas like marketing and distribution, WBD claims that it is spending one-third more on TCM content this year over last year, though that comes as a surprise to some TCM sources. The leaders are said to have concluded that they couldn’t reach the goal without getting rid of themselves. After WBD ordered TCM to cut a staggering two-thirds of its salary budget, the leadership team, including Changnon and Tabesh, departed on June 20 - some taking buyouts, some agreeing to be laid off. It just didn’t work out that way.”Įven as Zaslav proclaimed his devotion to TCM, moves were underway that insiders believed would dismantle the bespoke but beloved channel. As he had positioned himself as an ardent TCM fan, an insider says, “We all thought maybe fortune is finally smiling upon us. Then came the deal that ushered in Discovery chief Zaslav as CEO of Warner Bros. Anderson, Lourd and Changnon met for a drink at the Polo Lounge and a line of communication was established. CAA’s Lourd called Pola Changnon, then TCM’s executive vp and general manager, and said one of his important clients - Anderson, in this case - was also anxious about the fate of the network. Scorsese called then WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey to air his dismay and express his support for the channel. The filmmakers’ special love for TCM was evident in 2018, when new owners at AT&T shut down TCM’s FilmStruck streaming service. While financial decisions at TCM will still rest with Finch’s division, the potential for conflict should be minimized, assuming everyone can finally read the room. Added De Luca and Abdy: “TCM is a cultural treasure, and we are honored to help steer the future direction of this beloved brand with the partnership of three of the most iconic filmmakers of our time.”Ĭritical to the sense that this will be a meaningful reset is the fact that Tabesh will be returning. This unique arrangement, initiated by David Zaslav, reflects his commitment to honoring the TCM legacy while also involving us on curation and programming,” Spielberg, Scorsese and Anderson said in a statement to THR. The directors who rushed to TCM’s defense are pledging to be involved meaningfully in nurturing the channel - though obviously they can do nothing to stem the erosion of cable audiences at the root of the chaos. “We have already begun working on ideas with Mike and Pam, both true film enthusiasts who share a passion and reverence for classic cinema that is the hallmark of the TCM community. Discovery spokesperson who confirmed the moves. “Part of this is the creation of a more sustainable structure behind the screen, one that benefits from the vast resources and promotional engine of WBD’s networks group, so that TCM is set up for long-term success,” said a Warner Bros. Pictures bosses Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, as previously reported by The Hollywood Reporter. In the aftermath of the predicted backlash, WBD is announcing today that creative oversight of the channel will move from the division that imposed those cuts, headed by WBD TV networks chief content officer chief Kathleen Finch, to filmmaker-friendly Warner Bros. Wall Street's Mid-Year Hollywood Stock Picks for Challenging Times
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