”We have two international organizations today that are going to become one,“ the CEO says, previewing upcoming layoffs
It was a busy Friday for WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar. Just three months into his tenure leading the massive media company, he shook up WarnerMedia in a big way by rethinking how a legacy media company should operate in streaming-dominated Hollywood.
Friday’s reorganization — coming just one day after NBCUniversal made a similarly earth-shattering change — breaks down the traditional walls of the studio, television and premium cable divisions and brings all content creation into one operation, while at the same time creating a separate focus on HBO Max. The move puts HBO Max at the forefront of WarnerMedia’s future, while at the same time, brings efficiencies to the rest of content creation, including blockbuster movie franchises.
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Click Here Already a subscriber? LoginAt the same time, the moves led to the ouster of two highly respected executives, Bob Greenblatt and Kevin Reilly, both of whom shepherded HBO Max from a fantasy into a reality. Meanwhile, Andy Forssell will lead a newly created HBO Max operating business unit responsible for the global rollout of the subscription video on demand streaming service. Warner Bros. CEO Ann Sarnoff will head up a unified studios and networks group, which will combine all content development under one wing. And HBO programming president Casey Bloys will expand his oversight to include original content for HBO Max and Turner networks TNT, TBS and truTV.
Also Read: WarnerMedia CEO Feels No Pressure to Push Films to Streaming Despite Disney's 'Mulan' Move
TheWrap spoke with Kilar a few hours after the massive shakeup was announced Friday morning, where he spoke about the shrinking size of theatrical windows and what it will take to get HBO Max on Roku on Amazon Fire devices. The following interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
In making the announcement, you mentioned there will be “reductions in staff.” Can you say what level those reductions are going to be?
There’s a part of me that just very excited about where we’re going and the changes that this portends, which I feel very, very good about. The other part of me is, this is one of the hardest days that could possibly exist, because you’re here saying goodbye to really talented colleagues.
To answer your question, yes, there will be reductions.
We have two international organizations today that are going to become one. In that situation, the natural decision that needs to be made that says, “OK, you’re not going to have two people doing the same thing.” You have to make the tough choice to decide who is going to be the leader in a certain area. Obviously, I had to do that, and I did that with content in terms of Ann Sarnoff. These are not easy decisions, these are not performance-oriented decisions. And those will happen and you should expect to see [more] reductions.
Also Read: Bob Greenblatt, Kevin Reilly Exit WarnerMedia Amid Massive Reorganization
Regarding the deal between AMC and Universal, which will allow Universal to make its movies available on streaming just 17 days after they debut in theaters, does this lead a future where theatrical exclusivity windows are a thing of the past?
I very much believe we’re heading into a period where theatrical windows are shorter than they’ve historically been. I don’t think it’s controversial to say that at this point. That said, one of the things that a lot of people jump to a conclusion, which I think is wrong, is that suddenly the theatrical experience goes away. I don’t think that’s going to happen at all.
There’s a lot of people on this planet, myself included, that really likes to go to a theater from time to time and be taken away for an evening in a communal setting. I really enjoy that.
Now the question is going to be OK, but like, you know, what happens to the windows? What happens to exclusivity? What about the economics in the theaters and this or that? I don’t get too hung up on it, because I know it’s going to get sorted out. There has to be a business for exhibitors, we know that, because otherwise, you can’t run your business. There’s going to be sufficient economics for them to have a business. I think there will be a business because there’s consumer demand for it.
I don’t get too worried about it, because I just have belief in theatrical. I believe in that experience and I know that, together, we’ll figure it out.
Also Read: Why Is HBO Max Still Not on Roku or Amazon Fire TV?
Disney is putting Mulan on Disney+, is there any thought to Warner Bros. doing that with any of its upcoming movies like “Tenet” or “Wonder Woman 1984”?
Our orientation is to lean to theatrical, for not just “Tenet” but also “Wonder Woman” and other titles. That’s our orientation at this point. I think it would be unfair for me to say that sort of any of us can predict the future and where COVID-19 goes.
We’re in a very privileged position, because we have these great movies that are in our shop, and now it just comes down to the decisions that we make to be able to get them in the hands of consumers. And so, again, our orientation is theatrical and we haven’t moved off that.
The question for you, and every studio, is how long can you sit on product while you wait for theaters to be back?
If we were small start-up that was worrying how we were going to pay the rent next month we’d probably be thinking about it differently. But thankfully, given our balance sheet and the financial resources that we’re so lucky to have, it’s actually not a material decision to be able to be patient and be thoughtful to be able to hold the title until we feel it’s the right moment. I feel pretty good about what we’re doing right now. Make no mistake, I would love it if vaccine were announced tomorrow.
Switching over to HBO Max. It’s been more than two months since its launch, but it remains off of Roku and Amazon Fire TV. What has to happen for deal to be reached?
We would like to be on Roku, we would like to be on Amazon Fire devices. And the key to making that happen is two things.
We all recognize that the world is better for each of us if HBO Max is on their devices. Because over time, there will be less consumers that want to buy those devices that they can’t get ‘Game of Thrones’ or DC Universe on a Fire device or on a Roku box, so it’s clearly to the interest of the device maker to have HBO max on their device. And it’s also in our interest to be on those devices too, because we want to be able to reach all customers.
Now that said, I think it’s important that when you enter into a partnership or enter into an agreement for distribution, it has to be a contract that actually works for both parties. And for me, that comes down to pure economics, which really is what our focus is, which is to be treated just like Netflix or Hulu or treated.
22 Family-Friendly Movies Available to Stream on HBO, From 'Shazam' to 'Lego Movie 2' (Photos)
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Stuck at home and in need of something to watch that your whole family can enjoy together? Let TheWrap help by highlighting family friendly movies that are available to stream, right now, on HBO NOW and HBO GO. From animated films like "The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part," to superhero movies like "Shazam!," and classics like "The Mighty Ducks," "Mrs. Doubtfire," and "Big," there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy and plenty to keep kids distracted while parents are working from home.
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Big (1988)
The fantasy comedy film directed by the late Penny Marshall stars Tom Hanks as a tween turned into an adult after he makes a wish "to be big." Somehow hs faking his own kidnapping doesn't become a national panic.
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The Little Rascals (1994)
Based on the short films about rebellious kids from the 1930s, this 1994 movie keeps the nostalgic feeling of the original as it follows the exploits of Spanky, Alfalfa, and whole lovable gang.
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Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018)
A big-screen adaptation of the popular Cartoon Network series in which the titular adolescents do everything they can to make it -- where else? -- onto the big screen.
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Little (2019)
This funny, surprisingly heartfelt film is amplified by the talented Marsai Martin, who reminds us that she and other youth like her aren't just adorable -- they've got boss mentalities that cannot and should not be ignored.
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Alpha and Omega: The Great Wolf Games (2014)
All the alphas in the packs set aside their differences for some friendly competition. When an unexpected accident puts many of the pack's star alpha wolves out of commission, a new team is assembled that includes forest friends not in the pack.
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Shazam! (2019)
By far the best movie based on a DC Comics title that isn't "Superman: The Movie," "Shazam" follows foster child Billy Batson (Asher Angel), who is chosen as "Champion of Eternity" by an ancient wizard (Djimon Hounsou) and granted the ability to transform into the superhero Shazam (Zachary Levi). With the help of his foster brother and superhero fanatic Freddy (Grazer), Billy learns to master his powers and takes them out for a joyride but is forced to get serious when his powers attract the interest of the twisted industrialist Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong).
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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
The third and final installment in the attempt to turn "Chronicles of Narnia" in a franchise, the film follows Prince Caspian for a voyage on the majestic royal vessel known as The Dawn Treader, Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin Eustace encounter merfolk, dragons, dwarves, and a wandering band of lost warriors.
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The Last Unicorn (1982)
This melancholic animated classic follows a brave unicorn and a magician fighting an evil king obsessed with capturing the world's unicorns.
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Rio (2011)
Blu, a domesticated male Spix's macaw who is taken to Rio de Janeiro to mate with a free-spirited female Spix's macaw, Jewel. The two eventually fall in love, and together they have to escape from being smuggled by Nigel, a cockatoo.
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The Mighty Ducks (1994)
Emilio Estevez stars as a Minneapolis lawyer sentenced to community service for a drunk-driving conviction. He begins coaching a pee-wee league hockey team made up of misfits and delinquents. Haunted by past shortcomings while on the ice, he tries to coach teamwork on the way to the cup.
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The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019)
The sequel expands on the original's premise, adding new worlds and characters to the growing Lego universe, while also crafting a story that is timely, touching, hilarious and perfect for all ages. The soundtrack, is also incredible so stick around through the closing credits.
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Happy Feet Two (2011)
The latest chapter of the penguin tale returns to Antarctica, reuniting us with the world's most famous tap-dancing penguin, Mumble the love of his life, Gloria, and their old friends Ramon and Lovelace. Mumble and Gloria now have a son of their own, Erik, who is struggling to find his own particular talents in the colony.
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Madagascar (2005)
The animation is stunning and the stylized renderings of zoo animals are friendly-looking, the manic story feels like a bunch of one-liners strung together, peppered with bathroom humor. The jokes come courtesy of comic voice talents Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer and Sacha Baron Cohen. The highlight is a song and dance sequence done by lemurs, where Cohen is king.
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Babe (1995)
Ugly cry-smiling when James Cromwell says "that'll do, pig" doesn't boost antibodies, but if does make you feel damn good.
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Anastasia (1997)
The animated film stars Meg Ryan and centers around an eighteen-year-old amnesiac orphan named Anya who, in hopes of finding some trace of her family, sides with con men who wish to take advantage of her likeness to the Grand Duchess.
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Mr. Popper's Penguin's (2011)
Jim Carrey stars in the film, which follows a high-powered New York businessman who inherits six penguins. The lovable creatures proceed to disrupt his personal and professional life, and in the process, teach him the importance of family and friendship.
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Mr. Magoo (1997)
Based on the bumbling near-sighted animated character, this film stars the late Leslie Nielsen, Magoo as a millionaire who refuses to admit that he needs glasses. After accidentally becoming the target in an international manhunt, Magoo continually escapes mishaps by inches.
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Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Starring the late Robin Williams as a down-on-his-luck actor still stinging from a divorce who pretends to be a Scottish nanny in order to spend more time with his kids.
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Puss in Boots (2011)
Long before he even met Shrek, the notorious fighter, lover and outlaw Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) becomes a hero when he sets off on an adventure with the tough and street smart Kitty Softpaws and the mastermind Humpty Dumpty to save his town.
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The Land Before Time (1988)
This animated classic from Steven Spielberg and George Lucas centers on a group of young dinosaurs - Littlefoot, Cera, Spike, Ducky and Petrie - who find themselves depending on each other to reach the Great Valley.
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The Indian in the Cupboard (1995)
On his birthday, Omri is given several simple gifts, including an old wooden cupboard and a small plastic figurine of a Native American man. When he locks the toy inside the cabinet it magically comes to life as a tiny, cagey warrior named Little Bear -- played by Oklahoman rapper-actor Litefoot.
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Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (2019)
Modern, smart, and independent, Nancy Drew reluctantly befriends Helen, the local mean girl, and together they investigate the haunting of Twin Elms. Based on the popular Nancy Drew books.
Throw on your favorite sweatpants and snuggle up on the couch to stream these beloved movies together as a family
Stuck at home and in need of something to watch that your whole family can enjoy together? Let TheWrap help by highlighting family friendly movies that are available to stream, right now, on HBO NOW and HBO GO. From animated films like "The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part," to superhero movies like "Shazam!," and classics like "The Mighty Ducks," "Mrs. Doubtfire," and "Big," there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy and plenty to keep kids distracted while parents are working from home.
Tim Baysinger
TV reporter • tim.baysinger@thewrap.com • Twitter: @tim_bays