TCM Creative Structure Set: Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese & Paul Thomas Anderson Taking Active Role; Exec Charles Tabesh To Remain
28.06.2023 - 17:49
/ deadline.com
Warner Bros Discovery has finalized the creative-side structure at Turner Classic Movies, a week after directors Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson called an emergency meeting with WBD chief David Zaslav about restructuring plans at the channel.
A new plan is now being implemented that will see Spielberg, Scorsese and Anderson actively work alongside Warner Bros Motion Picture Group toppers Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, who were handed creative control of TCM late last week amid word of the director trio’s concerns.
Those concerns came after WBD revealed layoffs earlier last week that included network EVP and General Manager Pola Changnon, SVP of Programming and Content Strategy Charles Tabesh, VP of Brand Creative and Marketing Dexter Fedor, VP of Enterprises and Strategic Partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, and VP of Studio Production Anne Wilson.
Under the new structure, Tabesh will remain at TCM. On the business side, the channel remains under the purview of Kathleen Finch’s U.S. networks. Michael Ouweleen, who heads up Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang as president, runs TCM on the business side.
“TCM is a cultural treasure, and we are honored to help steer the future direction of this beloved brand with the partnership of three of the most iconic filmmakers of our time, Steven, Marty, and Paul,” De Luca and Abdy said Wednesday. “David Zaslav led the charge, driven by our shared love of storytelling, to bring us together for a project about which we are so passionate. Over the last year, we have meaningfully increased our content investment in TCM, and intend to further enhance TCM’s on-air programming and engagement with fans.”
The layoffs had cinephile fans