Esteemed directors Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson have come to the defense of Turner Classic Movies, making an "emergency call" to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav. Following the merger of Warner Bros. and Discovery, there has been significant restructuring within the company, particularly with the streaming service Max. As a result, there have been recent layoffs at Turner Classic Movies, the Atlanta-based pay-TV network known for airing classic films for modern audiences.
According to Deadline, the three directors have taken action to support Turner Classic Movies and prevent its complete shutdown. They released a joint statement expressing their belief that TCM is a valuable resource that, while not a major financial success, has consistently been profitable. After their conversation with Zaslav, they have reported that he shares their commitment to keeping TCM on the air.
Warner Bros. Discovery's CEO, David Zaslav, recently reached out to discuss the restructuring of TCM, acknowledging the challenges and complexities that come with managing a corporation as vast as WBD, with TCM being one component of it.
We have individually and collectively engaged in conversations with David, and it is evident that TCM and classic cinema hold immense significance to him. Our main objective is to safeguard and preserve TCM's programming.
The discussions we have had thus far have filled us with hope and motivation, and we are dedicated to collaborating in order to secure the future of this cherished cultural icon that we all hold dear.
More to come...
Source: Deadline