California Attorney General Faces Growing Pressure to Settle His Lawsuit Against Paramount Allowing Them to Buy Warner Bros. Discovery
The unions say a faster settlement could limit industry damage, as California production has fallen more than 40%, according to their letter.
- On Wednesday, the Directors Guild of America and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta to settle his antitrust lawsuit against the Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
- Bonta led a coalition of 12 states to sue in July, arguing the $110 billion transaction creates illegal consolidation in theatrical and cable markets, while unions warn ongoing legal uncertainty jeopardizes industry jobs.
- The unions' support remains contingent on Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison agreeing to specific conditions, including maintaining separate studio operations, honoring a 45-day theatrical window, and ensuring a minimum of 15 theatrical films per year for each studio.
- Tensions escalated after Ellison threatened to relocate Paramount operations out of California if a settlement isn't reached; Bonta characterized the move as "blackmail" while refusing "behavioral" remedies in favor of structural changes.
- With a March 2 trial date set, industry production remains stalled; unions seek faster resolution to prevent irreparable harm to the struggling film and television economy where California production is down more than 40%.
18 Articles
18 Articles
The Derrick
TV News CheckHollywood unions split: DGA, IATSE seek settlement while WGA fights to block Paramount-Warner merger
Citing Hollywood's already struggling production economy, two influential industry unions have jointly called on Paramount Skydance Chairman David Ellison and California Attorney General Rob Bonta to settle their antitrust fight. The Directors Guild of America and the International Alliance of…
Hollywood Unions Urge California and Paramount-Warner Bros. to Settle Legal Battle
Two of Hollywood’s biggest unions urged California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison on Aug. 12 to settle litigation over a proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery before it harms thousands of industry workers. The Directors Guild of America (DGA) and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) sent a letter to both parties asking them to “engage directly with each other” to negotiate a sett…
Rob Bonta Is 'Committed' to Paramount-Warner Lawsuit Despite Settlement Calls From DGA, IATSE
California Attorney General Rob Bonta responded to calls from the Directors Guild of America and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees to settle the state’s antitrust lawsuit over the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, saying the California Department of Justice remains “committed to enforcing the law.” “The California Department of Justice always appreciates the opportunity to hear from workers and communities directly impacted by ou…
Hollywood Unions Pressure Rob Bonta to Settle Paramount-Warner Bros. Lawsuit as California Job Fears Grow
California Attorney General Rob Bonta is facing growing pressure to bring his legal battle against Paramount Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery to an end, with two of Hollywood’s largest unions warning that the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the transaction is making an already disastrous employment situation even worse. The Directors Guild of America and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees sent a joint lett…
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