Hollywood’s Biggest Merger in Years Just Passed — Now Comes the Trust Problem

Does Paramount Skydance chairman and CEO David Ellison even need the public’s trust? And before you argue that he doesn’t need your trust, remember he is David Ellison.  

At the end of the day, customers are the boss, and they have choices. Mergers cause uncertainty and unmet expectations, which can result in a loss of trust. 

How do you rebuild trust with a customer base after a merger? This is the major question for Ellison after Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved the $111 billion merger with Paramount/Skydance. This deal creates a giant studio with networks, platforms, and major media assets like HBO, CNN, CBS, Paramount+, and Paramount Pictures. It also reduces the number of “big” Hollywood studios from five to four.  

It reminds me of when I was at KPMG back in the day. We were part of “The Big 8.” Now there are only four in that group, too. 

This WB merger has caused anxiety in creators, as well as theater owners, because the new company will control nearly 25% of the North American box office and about 10-12% of the U.S. subscription streaming market.

The reactions have been harsh — to say the least. 

Over 1,000 Hollywood filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals have signed a letter opposing the merger. They argue that consolidating two major U.S. studios will threaten the independence and diversity of the film and television industry. The fear is that the merger will lead to job losses and less diverse content for creators and consumers. 

At the same time, theater owners represented by Cinema United worry that a consolidation will lead to fewer films being produced (as with the Fox-Disney merger in 2019). They also fear that the merger will emphasize streaming content, shortening or eliminating the theatrical window for new releases.  

Movies used to be in theaters for at least 90 days before streaming. Now, the window has shrunk to 30-45 days. If it gets any shorter, people might stop coming to the theater. 

So, how can Ellison win the trust of creators, exhibitors, and the government that this deal is good for stakeholders and not just the ones who own stock in the merged company? Trust is a vital component of any relationship, business dynamic, or power shift. Trust is so important, I even wrote about it in my upcoming book, TILT the Room. 

As a leading talent agent, Century City media attorney, and professor at USC Gould School of Law, I teach students and clients how to negotiate with the TILT framework: trust, influence, leverage, and timing. There’s a reason why trust comes first in the framework. Without it, you don’t have anything. 

3 ways businesses can build trust with clients and consumers 

There are three main ways you can build trust with anyone: reliability, transparency, and expertise.  

1. Reliability is about consistency and predictability. When you meet deadlines, show up on time, and follow through on promises, you build a reputation for reliability. Someone people can count on.  
2. Transparency is about being open about your motives and the reasoning behind your decisions. When people know what to expect, they have more confidence in you. 
3. Expertise is about demonstrating competency in your field. It means showing you understand how things are done correctly and investing the time to learn to do things well. If you know what you’re doing, people tend to believe what you say. 

For Ellison to win the confidence of the media community, he must show he is reliable, transparent, and expert. He has already started with theater owners. 

How Ellison tilted the odds and won over theater owners 

This article was originally published by Inc. May 19, 2026.