LA Screenings 2026: How the Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery Merger is Shaping Buyer Experiences
As international acquisitions executives gathered at LAX this week, their thoughts were not only on the upcoming LA Screenings but also on the potential ramifications of a significant merger in Hollywood. Paramount is poised to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in a deal valued at $110 billion, prompting speculation about a major transformation within the buying ecosystem.
Many buyers present at this year’s screenings recall Disney’s acquisition of Fox’s entertainment assets in 2018. However, industry insiders suggest that the Paramount-WBD deal may be distinct in its implications. Observers anticipate that the merger could lead to a reduction in the number of studio vendors at future LA Screenings.
A seasoned buyer reflected on past mergers, stating, “We’ve had to deal with this in the past when we had deals with Disney and 20th Century Fox. We watched as Fox was absorbed and a player was moved off the board. In the early days, it was about who was getting retained, and it will be the same here.”
Insights and Predictions
The buyer continued, highlighting the differences in operational culture between Paramount and WBD. “Distribution is a complete duplication, though, and it’s likely one entire team will be leaving. It will be massive, and we will have to navigate through it.”
A senior European buyer also expressed concerns about the future, noting, “We know it could potentially be the final Warner Bros. LA Screening.” They pointed to David Ellison’s commitment to producing 30 movies annually if the merger proceeds. “Warner has had a couple of very good years at the box office, and in terms of series, both produce a lot. Will there be more consolidation there and fewer series? How much will be behind the paywall of the Paramount-Warner app? Will they still want our money? The buyers will still be there with their checkbooks.”
David Decker, President of Global Content Sales at WBD, approached the screenings with optimism, showcasing major projects such as the DC Universe series Lanterns and a new spin-off of The Big Bang Theory. “What buyers will hear is the consistent message that it is business as usual,” Decker stated, reinforcing WBD’s commitment to supplying content for various platforms.
Decker specifically mentioned the significance of established shows like Friends and Harry Potter, emphasizing WBD’s intention to remain supportive of the global TV advertising market, and stressing the importance of free-to-air channels alongside streaming services. “We want to do business with anyone and everyone at the Burbank lot,” he added.
Looking to the upcoming slate, Decker characterized the upcoming LA Screenings as the “return of the returning series,” referencing Warner shows like George and Mandy’s First Marriage and Memory of a Killer. “To not only have great shows but to have them back on an annual basis is great for the buyers, the advertisers, and the viewers,” he explained.
As the merger looms, it could alter the landscape for markets where HBO Max’s content is distributed by third parties, such as Canada, where programming on the platform is available via Crave. Justin Stockman, VP of Global Content at Bell Media, assured that their existing deal remains secure for the foreseeable future.
Pre-merger guidelines have prevented Paramount and WBD from commenting on the potential merger’s impact at the LA Screenings. Nevertheless, Paramount is expected to present a range of new offerings, including Cupertino, Eternally Yours, and NCIS: New York.
Despite challenges in negotiating with U.S. studios, buyers acknowledge the ongoing value of American content, which remains essential in the face of local originals. Dermot Horan, Director of Acquisitions and Co-Productions at Ireland’s RTÉ, reflected on how viewing habits have shifted, highlighting a growing appetite for shorter-run content on streaming platforms.
Cailah Scobie, Chief Content Officer at Australia’s Stan, noted that the platform continues to acquire significant volumes of U.S. content that resonate with local audiences. “Australian audiences continue to respond to content with a clear creative voice and identity,” she said.
The inclusion of the Australian drama The F Ward in Paramount’s slate underscores the importance of international titles at the LA Screenings. Many buyers are keen to explore a mix of originals, co-productions, and acquisitions, balancing various viewing preferences.
As LA Screenings progress, numerous studios are set to welcome buyers with a lineup showcasing their latest offerings. The week kicks off with Amazon MGM Studios and includes major players like Paramount, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Disney, all vying to present compelling content to international buyers.
With the landscape shifting and the market recovering from various disruptions, industry executives are optimistic. Spivak and Wald from Sony Pictures Television noted a return to normalcy in the market, free from recent strikes and calamities. They believe upcoming corporate changes in Hollywood could strengthen relationships with buyers.
Amidst discussions of mergers and market dynamics, traditional favorites like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune will also be featured, signaling a commitment to familiar content despite the evolving landscape.
As noted by Michael Bonner, President of Global TV Distribution at NBCUniversal, while the market constantly changes, the demand for premium global storytelling remains robust. Buyers are looking for fewer but larger shows that can compete on a global scale, underscoring the industry’s continued evolution.
In summary, the LA Screenings promise a busy schedule of presentations and negotiations, amid a backdrop of significant industry changes and anticipation about the future of content distribution.
