In an attempt to calm the waters stirred up by numerous veteran staffers being let go from Turner Classic Movies recently, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has made a decision regarding TCM’s fate that should calm some ruffled feathers.
According to THR, Zaslav is moving oversight of the channel over to Warner Bros. Pictures bosses Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy – executives with a long history in the film business.
The move aims to reassure the film community after WBD announced a restructuring this week that saw TCM chief Pola Changnon exit after 25 years, along with several key team members.
Filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson quickly had a call with Zaslav along with releasing a joint statement saying their “aim is to ensure that TCM’s programming is untouched and protected”.
TCM is considered one of the most important organisations in world in terms of film preservation with millions spent every year preserving classic cinema works and restoring them to their former glory.
According to sources, the new arrangement will reportedly satisfy Spielberg, Scorsese and Anderson. However, it’s not clear if any of the staff let go will return.
The new move takes oversight of TCM away from Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen whom Zaslav appointed for the role earlier this week.
