20 years ago, David Ellison's flop as an actor stressed him out so much he went to the hospital. Now he's set to own Paramount and Warner | Fortune
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20 years ago, David Ellison's flop as an actor stressed him out so much he went to the hospital. Now he's set to own Paramount and Warner | Fortune
"It's only a surprise to those who haven't been paying attention to the long game. This is a sort of a silent takeover. Skydance didn't start as a predator. It started as an essential partner. Skydance's focus on financing hit movies and accumulating assets while partnering with some of the biggest companies in the business demonstrates a calculated strategy that has positioned the company for unprecedented growth and influence in the entertainment industry."
"When Ellison, the son of tech giant Oracle Corp. co-founder Larry Ellison, launched Skydance as a 23-year-old in 2006, the company registered little more than a blip in an industry where he was just another rich newcomer trying to gain a foothold in the warmth of Hollywood's bright lights. The company's humble beginnings and initial dismissal as merely another wealthy entrepreneur's passion project contrasted sharply with its eventual trajectory."
Skydance Productions, founded by David Ellison in 2006, began as a derided billionaire's vanity project after its debut film "Flyboys" received critical panning and box office failure. Despite initial setbacks, the company pursued a strategic long-term approach focused on financing successful movies and building partnerships with major entertainment companies. This methodical strategy positioned Skydance as an essential industry partner rather than a predator. The company subsequently merged with Paramount and now stands on the verge of acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, representing a remarkable transformation from overlooked newcomer to potential entertainment giant.
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