Paramount Chief Promises Up to 30 Wide-Release Films Per Year

Paramount/Skydance chief David Ellison has announced plans to significantly increase the number of theatrical releases, aiming for up to 30 films per year.

The statement was made during the studio’s presentation at CinemaCon, where Ellison addressed theater owners directly, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional theatrical distribution in the age of streaming.

A strong commitment to theaters
Ellison opened by highlighting the value of the big screen — not just creatively, but as a core business driver. According to him, theaters remain the primary platform for launching major franchises that can generate long-term revenue.

He stressed that the company is committed to supporting theatrical exhibition and strengthening partnerships with cinema chains.

Strict theatrical window
A key part of the strategy is maintaining a fixed exclusive theatrical window. All films will debut in cinemas for 45 days before becoming available on premium video-on-demand platforms.

Additionally, there will be roughly a 90-day gap before titles arrive on Paramount+, ensuring a balance between theatrical releases and streaming distribution.

An ambitious target: 30 films per year
Ellison confirmed plans to release up to 30 films annually — an extremely high number that no major studio has consistently achieved in the modern era.

This масштаб plan is expected to become feasible following the proposed merger with Warner Bros., which would significantly expand production capacity and the studio’s project pipeline.

Industry reaction
The announcement comes amid ongoing debate over the potential merger. Industry professionals have previously voiced concerns through an open letter, warning about possible market consolidation and its последствия.

Despite this, company leadership remains confident in its strategy and committed to moving forward.

The future of theatrical releases
Ellison’s vision reflects a broader effort to restore theaters to a central role in the entertainment industry. In an increasingly competitive landscape dominated by streaming platforms, a focus on large-scale releases and consistent theatrical windows could prove decisive.

If successfully implemented, the plan could reshape the balance of power in Hollywood and set a new benchmark for other studios.