Returning for its 15th annual edition this weekend, the TCM Classic Film Festival will turn Hollywood Blvd. into the center of the movie universe again for four days, for that very obsessive and loving subset of film fans that has the network’s vintage fare as part of their weekly and daily lives. And just what time span “classics” falls into is exemplified by the big opening and closing night films.
The gala opening night picture is 1994’s “Pulp Fiction,” which festival director Genevieve McGillicuddy says “is one of the most contemporary films that we are showing this year, along with ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and ‘Little Women,’ the 1994 version. ‘Seven,’ I think, is the most recent film we’re screening; that’s 1995. Just like with the network, we don’t have any official cutoff in terms of the years of films that we’re showing. But, interestingly — it’s the opposite of a cutoff,...
The gala opening night picture is 1994’s “Pulp Fiction,” which festival director Genevieve McGillicuddy says “is one of the most contemporary films that we are showing this year, along with ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and ‘Little Women,’ the 1994 version. ‘Seven,’ I think, is the most recent film we’re screening; that’s 1995. Just like with the network, we don’t have any official cutoff in terms of the years of films that we’re showing. But, interestingly — it’s the opposite of a cutoff,...
- 4/18/2024
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
John Wayne’s 1956 Western “The Searchers” will debut a new restoration as part of the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival in April. This marks the second Wayne film to receive a premiere of a restored print at the yearly event which takes place on Hollywood Boulevard; last year’s opening night feature was a 4K restoration of Wayne’s 1959 film “Rio Bravo.”
This year’s festival theme is “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film.” Alongside “The Searchers” TCM announced that Frank Capra’s 1934 film “It Happened One Night,” Elia Kazan’s “On the Waterfront” and the 1974 musical documentary “That’s Entertainment!” will also screen as part of the four-day festival.
It’s unknown if “The Searchers” will be the film’s opening night movie, though considering “Rio Bravo” was also a restoration last year it would make sense that Warner Bros. would continue to debut new 4K prints of their films...
This year’s festival theme is “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film.” Alongside “The Searchers” TCM announced that Frank Capra’s 1934 film “It Happened One Night,” Elia Kazan’s “On the Waterfront” and the 1974 musical documentary “That’s Entertainment!” will also screen as part of the four-day festival.
It’s unknown if “The Searchers” will be the film’s opening night movie, though considering “Rio Bravo” was also a restoration last year it would make sense that Warner Bros. would continue to debut new 4K prints of their films...
- 11/14/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
The 15th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival will take place April 18-21, 2024 in its traditional Hollywood Boulevard location with a lineup exploring tales of conflict in cinema under the theme “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film.”
This will mark the first TCM festival since, in a rather unprecedented move, feature executives, Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy, Co-Chairs & CEOs, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, took creative control of the ad-supported cable network this past summer, ahead of its 30th anniversary next year.
The appointment followed an outreach by leading filmmakers and staunch film preservationists Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson to David Zaslav, CEO of TCM parent Warner Bros. Discovery, with concerns for the future of the channel following another major restructuring at the company that saw most of the TCM leadership exit in layoffs, including EVP and General Manager Pola Changnon, SVP of Programming and Content Strategy Charles Tabesh,...
This will mark the first TCM festival since, in a rather unprecedented move, feature executives, Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy, Co-Chairs & CEOs, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, took creative control of the ad-supported cable network this past summer, ahead of its 30th anniversary next year.
The appointment followed an outreach by leading filmmakers and staunch film preservationists Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson to David Zaslav, CEO of TCM parent Warner Bros. Discovery, with concerns for the future of the channel following another major restructuring at the company that saw most of the TCM leadership exit in layoffs, including EVP and General Manager Pola Changnon, SVP of Programming and Content Strategy Charles Tabesh,...
- 10/11/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
After a tumultuous few months at TCM, the network’s Classic Film Festival will return to Hollywood on April 18-21 for its 15th edition with the theme “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film,” it was announced Wednesday.
“Like Turner Classic Movies itself, the TCM Classic Film Festival is a destination for cinephiles, and the 2024 edition will undoubtedly be among the best yet,” Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chairs and co-CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy said in a statement.
“We are so thrilled to invite TCM fans to celebrate the very best in cinema in the heart of Hollywood and to be amongst the filmmakers and casts who have lit up the silver screen for us all over the years.”
In June, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav moved oversight of the beloved TCM to De Luca and Abdy in the wake of layoffs that claimed the jobs of longtime staffers Pola Changnon,...
“Like Turner Classic Movies itself, the TCM Classic Film Festival is a destination for cinephiles, and the 2024 edition will undoubtedly be among the best yet,” Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chairs and co-CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy said in a statement.
“We are so thrilled to invite TCM fans to celebrate the very best in cinema in the heart of Hollywood and to be amongst the filmmakers and casts who have lit up the silver screen for us all over the years.”
In June, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav moved oversight of the beloved TCM to De Luca and Abdy in the wake of layoffs that claimed the jobs of longtime staffers Pola Changnon,...
- 10/11/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
To briefly remind readers of the saga:
Back in June of 2023, it was announced that the leadership behind Turner Classic Movies, a long-beloved curator of cinema from Hollywood's Golden Age and beyond, would be laid off. VP of enterprises and strategic partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, senior VP of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, executive vice president and general manager Pola Changnon, marketing VP Dexter Fedor, and VP of studio production Anne Wilson all lost their jobs. The future of TCM was suddenly up in the air. This not only outraged fans of classic cinema but threw some of Hollywood's most beloved filmmakers into a panic. Was David Zaslav, the CEO of the beleaguered Warner Bros. Discovery nixing the entire TCM brand the same way he did with so much of the films and TV shows on HBO Max? Perhaps Zaslav, having already accrued a horrendous reputation for a long series of consumer-hostile business decisions,...
Back in June of 2023, it was announced that the leadership behind Turner Classic Movies, a long-beloved curator of cinema from Hollywood's Golden Age and beyond, would be laid off. VP of enterprises and strategic partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, senior VP of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, executive vice president and general manager Pola Changnon, marketing VP Dexter Fedor, and VP of studio production Anne Wilson all lost their jobs. The future of TCM was suddenly up in the air. This not only outraged fans of classic cinema but threw some of Hollywood's most beloved filmmakers into a panic. Was David Zaslav, the CEO of the beleaguered Warner Bros. Discovery nixing the entire TCM brand the same way he did with so much of the films and TV shows on HBO Max? Perhaps Zaslav, having already accrued a horrendous reputation for a long series of consumer-hostile business decisions,...
- 9/1/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Charles Tabesh, TCM’s SVP of Programming who was reinstated at Warner Bros. Discovery after widespread outcry over his dismissal from the classic movie network, thanked fans for their continued support on Tuesday. “The support for TCM, and for me, has been wonderful,” he tweeted.
“I just want to say that it’s always taken a true team to make it work,” he added. “There are too many people to name so I won’t, but the talent and dedication has always been across the network. I know how lucky I’ve been to work with them.”
After speaking with industry heavyweights Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, Wbd CEO David Zaslav backtracked on Tabesh’s firing and agreed to bring him back on.
The support for TCM, and for me, has been wonderful. I just want to say that it’s always taken a true team to make it work.
“I just want to say that it’s always taken a true team to make it work,” he added. “There are too many people to name so I won’t, but the talent and dedication has always been across the network. I know how lucky I’ve been to work with them.”
After speaking with industry heavyweights Paul Thomas Anderson, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese, Wbd CEO David Zaslav backtracked on Tabesh’s firing and agreed to bring him back on.
The support for TCM, and for me, has been wonderful. I just want to say that it’s always taken a true team to make it work.
- 7/4/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Warner Bros. Discovery has laid off top diversity executive Karen Horne, a rep for the company confirmed to TheWrap on Friday.
Horne is the latest senior executive laid off at the studio as it conducts massive restructuring under CEO David Zaslav, following the much-protested June 20 axing of longtime TCM executives Anne Wilson, Dexter Fedor and Genevieve McGillicuddy.
In a worrying trend, a number of Dei execs have also exited in recent weeks at other studios, including Netflix’s Vernā Myers and Disney’s Latondra Newton.
Horne’s departure was announced internally on Wednesday, per an L.A. Times report published Friday. She was SVP of diversity, equity and inclusion in North America, having joined the company in March 2020.
Also Read:
Netflix’s Head of Inclusion Strategy Vernā Myers to Leave, Wade Davis Tapped as Replacement
The company’s Dei program will still be led by Discovery’s chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer,...
Horne is the latest senior executive laid off at the studio as it conducts massive restructuring under CEO David Zaslav, following the much-protested June 20 axing of longtime TCM executives Anne Wilson, Dexter Fedor and Genevieve McGillicuddy.
In a worrying trend, a number of Dei execs have also exited in recent weeks at other studios, including Netflix’s Vernā Myers and Disney’s Latondra Newton.
Horne’s departure was announced internally on Wednesday, per an L.A. Times report published Friday. She was SVP of diversity, equity and inclusion in North America, having joined the company in March 2020.
Also Read:
Netflix’s Head of Inclusion Strategy Vernā Myers to Leave, Wade Davis Tapped as Replacement
The company’s Dei program will still be led by Discovery’s chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer,...
- 6/30/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Update: The ongoing saga of Turner Classic Movies continues with more positive developments. After their emergency meeting with David Zaslav, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson will now take on an active creative role at TCM, working alongside Warner Bros. Film Group CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy.
“We have already begun working on ideas with Mike and Pam, both true film enthusiasts who share a passion and reverence for classic cinema that is the hallmark of the TCM community,” Spielberg, Scorsese, and Anderson said in a statement to THR. “This unique arrangement, initiated by David Zaslav, reflects his commitment to honoring the TCM legacy while also involving us on curation and programming.” De Luca and Abdy added, “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.
“We have already begun working on ideas with Mike and Pam, both true film enthusiasts who share a passion and reverence for classic cinema that is the hallmark of the TCM community,” Spielberg, Scorsese, and Anderson said in a statement to THR. “This unique arrangement, initiated by David Zaslav, reflects his commitment to honoring the TCM legacy while also involving us on curation and programming.” De Luca and Abdy added, “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.
- 6/28/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.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...
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...
- 6/28/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
TCM Reborn: Steven Spielberg, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Martin Scorsese to Guide Channel Programming
Filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson will help guide programming decisions and curation at Turner Classic Movies (TCM) as advisors after IndieWire first reported that the trio called Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav about their concerns at the network after a string of recent layoffs.
The guidance of TCM will be a collaboration between the three titan filmmakers, and they’ll also provide guidance on the interstitial programming, such as the host intros and outros in between the films. A source also says Scorsese, Spielberg, and Anderson have a formal arrangement as volunteers with the company but will not be taking a salary.
TCM vet Charles “Charlie” Tabesh will remain at the network and will report to Warner Bros. executives Michael de Luca and Pamela Abdy, who were previously reported to be overseeing programming and creative content at TCM. The two film chiefs are filmmaker-friendly and...
The guidance of TCM will be a collaboration between the three titan filmmakers, and they’ll also provide guidance on the interstitial programming, such as the host intros and outros in between the films. A source also says Scorsese, Spielberg, and Anderson have a formal arrangement as volunteers with the company but will not be taking a salary.
TCM vet Charles “Charlie” Tabesh will remain at the network and will report to Warner Bros. executives Michael de Luca and Pamela Abdy, who were previously reported to be overseeing programming and creative content at TCM. The two film chiefs are filmmaker-friendly and...
- 6/28/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Turner Classic Movies Has New Leaders in Warner Bros. Pictures Heads Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy
A day after a series of high-profile layoffs at Turner Classic Movies sparked outrage among the film community, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has installed new leadership at the beloved cable network.
IndieWire has confirmed that Warner Bros. Film Group co-CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy will add oversight of TCM to their portfolio of responsibilities. De Luca and Adby are expected to oversee programming at TCM, taking over for longtime general manager Pola Changnon programming head Charles Tabesh, who were both laid off on Wednesday.
In addition to Changnon and Tabesh, the layoffs included VP of brand creative and marketing Dexter Fedor; VP of enterprises and strategic partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, who also served as the director of the annual TCM Film Festival; and VP of studio production Anne Wilson. Among their responsibilities were curating lineups, shooting intros and outros, and creating original shows, documentaries, and video essays.
IndieWire has confirmed that Warner Bros. Film Group co-CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy will add oversight of TCM to their portfolio of responsibilities. De Luca and Adby are expected to oversee programming at TCM, taking over for longtime general manager Pola Changnon programming head Charles Tabesh, who were both laid off on Wednesday.
In addition to Changnon and Tabesh, the layoffs included VP of brand creative and marketing Dexter Fedor; VP of enterprises and strategic partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, who also served as the director of the annual TCM Film Festival; and VP of studio production Anne Wilson. Among their responsibilities were curating lineups, shooting intros and outros, and creating original shows, documentaries, and video essays.
- 6/24/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Warner Bros. Pictures heads Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy are taking oversight of Turner Classic Movies, an individual with knowledge of the matter confirmed Friday to TheWrap.
The leadership change follows the exit of TCM chief Pola Changnon and layoffs of several other members of the network’s top brass. The departures came amid cuts of 100 staffers across Warner Bros. Discovery’s U.S. Networks Group this week, led by chairman and chief content officer Kathleen Finch.
Following Changnon’s departure on Tuesday, Finch said in a memo to staff that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang who had previously run TCM on an interim basis for eight months in 2019 and 2020, would take oversight of the network.
Just hours later, TheWrap exclusively reported that TCM’s senior vice president of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, vice president of studio production Anne Wilson,...
The leadership change follows the exit of TCM chief Pola Changnon and layoffs of several other members of the network’s top brass. The departures came amid cuts of 100 staffers across Warner Bros. Discovery’s U.S. Networks Group this week, led by chairman and chief content officer Kathleen Finch.
Following Changnon’s departure on Tuesday, Finch said in a memo to staff that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang who had previously run TCM on an interim basis for eight months in 2019 and 2020, would take oversight of the network.
Just hours later, TheWrap exclusively reported that TCM’s senior vice president of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, vice president of studio production Anne Wilson,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Amidst mounting concern for the future of Turner Classic Movies following the latest in restructuring at Warner Bros Discovery, CEO David Zaslav has looked to assuage fears by placing the channel under the creative control of Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, the Co-Chairpersons and CEOs of Warner Bros Film Group, Deadline can confirm.
A source close to the situation said that while Warner Bros has never had ” a lack of commitment” to TCM, it made sense to put the channel under the supervision of these known cinephiles, who will now curate its titles. That being said, oversight of TCM will certainly not be a full-time pursuit on the part of the filmmaker-friendly duo. Michael Ouweleen, who heads up Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang as President, holds the reins at TCM on the business side.
The move comes following layoffs at Warner Bros that affected TCM’s...
A source close to the situation said that while Warner Bros has never had ” a lack of commitment” to TCM, it made sense to put the channel under the supervision of these known cinephiles, who will now curate its titles. That being said, oversight of TCM will certainly not be a full-time pursuit on the part of the filmmaker-friendly duo. Michael Ouweleen, who heads up Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang as President, holds the reins at TCM on the business side.
The move comes following layoffs at Warner Bros that affected TCM’s...
- 6/23/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Turner Classic Movies is a mainstay in the viewing lineup of most fans of all-time great cinema. The channel is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, and even though it’s widely beloved, no segment of the company is truly safe from the savings-oriented gaze of CEO David Zaslav, no matter the artistic value.
Reports over the past week indicate a wave of executive layoffs has struck TCM as part of a wider round of firings at the Wbd TV division. General manager of the network Pola Chagnon is leaving after more than 25 years at the company, and a host of other executives including TCM Enterprises VP Genevieve McGillicuddy, president of marketing and creative Dexter Fedor, and more were shown the door.
As layoffs of this level are sometimes accompanied by more drastic moves, fans have been nervous about the future of TCM. Zaslav hasn’t been afraid to make aggressive...
Reports over the past week indicate a wave of executive layoffs has struck TCM as part of a wider round of firings at the Wbd TV division. General manager of the network Pola Chagnon is leaving after more than 25 years at the company, and a host of other executives including TCM Enterprises VP Genevieve McGillicuddy, president of marketing and creative Dexter Fedor, and more were shown the door.
As layoffs of this level are sometimes accompanied by more drastic moves, fans have been nervous about the future of TCM. Zaslav hasn’t been afraid to make aggressive...
- 6/22/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
While much of Hollywood’s top brass couldn’t care less about the craft of filmmaking and preservation of the very medium that is responsible for their positions in the first place, few executives have become so widely, unanimously despised so immediately as David Zaslav. With a sole focus on profits, the Warner Bros. Discovery CEO has gutted both his streaming libraries and canceled films that were near-completion, while also denigrating his flagship HBO brand in the unveiling of Max, a streaming service that gives more prominence to Naked and Afraid and Dr. Pimple Popper than TCM and Studio Ghibli. He even lambasted his execs for financially supporting Clint Eastwood––a director who has delivered numerous hits for WB––simply because Cry Macho wasn’t profitable.
This week, the multi-millionaire exec hit a new professional low when it comes to respecting the culture of cinema, laying off Turner Classic Movies...
This week, the multi-millionaire exec hit a new professional low when it comes to respecting the culture of cinema, laying off Turner Classic Movies...
- 6/22/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Recent layoffs at Turner Classic Movies have made filmmakers Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Paul Thomas Anderson so concerned about the future of the network that they recently scheduled an emergency meeting with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, according to Deadline.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday evening, the filmmakers they “are heartened and encouraged by the conversations we’ve had thus far, and we are committed to working together to ensure the continuation of this cultural touchstone that we all treasure.”
Earlier this week, TCM laid off a large chunk of its leadership, including Executive Vice President and General Manager Pola Changnon, Senior Vice President of Programming and Content Strategy Charles Tabesh, Vice Presidnet of Brand Creative and Marketing Dexter Fedor, Vice President of Enterprises and Strategic Partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, and Vice Presient of Studio Production Anne Wilson. The news doesn’t particularly bode well for the future of the channel,...
In a joint statement released on Wednesday evening, the filmmakers they “are heartened and encouraged by the conversations we’ve had thus far, and we are committed to working together to ensure the continuation of this cultural touchstone that we all treasure.”
Earlier this week, TCM laid off a large chunk of its leadership, including Executive Vice President and General Manager Pola Changnon, Senior Vice President of Programming and Content Strategy Charles Tabesh, Vice Presidnet of Brand Creative and Marketing Dexter Fedor, Vice President of Enterprises and Strategic Partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, and Vice Presient of Studio Production Anne Wilson. The news doesn’t particularly bode well for the future of the channel,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Film News
Update: On Wednesday evening, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Anderson released a joint statement about their discussions with Warner Bros. Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav regarding TCM.
After Warner Bros. Discovery announced layoffs at Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on Tuesday, filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson conferred with Wbd chief David Zaslav about the future of the cinema network.
Variety has learned that the Warner Bros. Discovery CEO convened a call with the trio of top filmmakers on Wednesday for guidance following the departure of top TCM execs, including general manager Pola Changnon, who stepped down after more than 25 years with the network and Turner.
“Turner Classic Movies has always been more than just a channel. It is truly a precious resource of cinema, open 24 hours a day seven days a week. And while it has never been a financial juggernaut, it has always been...
After Warner Bros. Discovery announced layoffs at Turner Classic Movies (TCM) on Tuesday, filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson conferred with Wbd chief David Zaslav about the future of the cinema network.
Variety has learned that the Warner Bros. Discovery CEO convened a call with the trio of top filmmakers on Wednesday for guidance following the departure of top TCM execs, including general manager Pola Changnon, who stepped down after more than 25 years with the network and Turner.
“Turner Classic Movies has always been more than just a channel. It is truly a precious resource of cinema, open 24 hours a day seven days a week. And while it has never been a financial juggernaut, it has always been...
- 6/21/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav held a meeting on Wednesday with Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson to discuss the future of Turner Classic Movies following news of multiple executive layoffs at the network, TheWrap has learned.
The meeting followed an intense online backlash from classic movie fans upset over the departure of longtime executives at the channel.
A Warner insider said that Zaslav had called the meeting — disputing some reports that the directors had asked for the conversation with the CEO — and discussed giving filmmakers “a bigger hand in programming curating” TCM. The idea was “how do we make this better for the future,” said the insider.
The individual also said that the layoffs were part of a strategy to bring TCM more fully into the U.S. Networks Group so that it can be stronger and benefit from cross-promotion. “The idea is that TCM has been an island,...
The meeting followed an intense online backlash from classic movie fans upset over the departure of longtime executives at the channel.
A Warner insider said that Zaslav had called the meeting — disputing some reports that the directors had asked for the conversation with the CEO — and discussed giving filmmakers “a bigger hand in programming curating” TCM. The idea was “how do we make this better for the future,” said the insider.
The individual also said that the layoffs were part of a strategy to bring TCM more fully into the U.S. Networks Group so that it can be stronger and benefit from cross-promotion. “The idea is that TCM has been an island,...
- 6/21/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Update: An on-record joint statement from Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson has been issued.
“Turner Classic Movies has always been more than just a channel. It is truly a precious resource of cinema, open 24 hours a day seven days a week. And while it has never been a financial juggernaut, it has always been a profitable endeavor since its inception.
Earlier this week, David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, got in touch to talk about the restructuring of TCM. We understand the pressures and realities of a corporation as large as Wbd, of which TCM is one moving part.
We have each spent time talking to David, separately and together, and it’s clear that TCM and classic cinema are very important to him. Our primary aim is to ensure that TCM’s programming is untouched and protected.
We are heartened and encouraged by the...
“Turner Classic Movies has always been more than just a channel. It is truly a precious resource of cinema, open 24 hours a day seven days a week. And while it has never been a financial juggernaut, it has always been a profitable endeavor since its inception.
Earlier this week, David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, got in touch to talk about the restructuring of TCM. We understand the pressures and realities of a corporation as large as Wbd, of which TCM is one moving part.
We have each spent time talking to David, separately and together, and it’s clear that TCM and classic cinema are very important to him. Our primary aim is to ensure that TCM’s programming is untouched and protected.
We are heartened and encouraged by the...
- 6/21/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s not every day that Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson team up. But IndieWire has learned they will today: The three directors have scheduled an emergency call with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav about the layoffs of Turner Classic Movies’ top brass.
The network laid off much of its leadership yesterday, including executive VP and general manager Pola Changnon; senior VP of programming and content strategy, Charles Tabesh; VP of brand creative and marketing Dexter Fedor; VP of enterprises and strategic partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, who also served as the director of the annual TCM Film Festival; and VP of studio production Anne Wilson.
These people were responsible for everything from curating lineups, to shooting intros and outros, and for creating original shows, documentaries, and video essays that serve as major contributions to American cultural history.
Scorsese has often said he has Turner Classic Movies on...
The network laid off much of its leadership yesterday, including executive VP and general manager Pola Changnon; senior VP of programming and content strategy, Charles Tabesh; VP of brand creative and marketing Dexter Fedor; VP of enterprises and strategic partnerships Genevieve McGillicuddy, who also served as the director of the annual TCM Film Festival; and VP of studio production Anne Wilson.
These people were responsible for everything from curating lineups, to shooting intros and outros, and for creating original shows, documentaries, and video essays that serve as major contributions to American cultural history.
Scorsese has often said he has Turner Classic Movies on...
- 6/21/2023
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
More top brass from Turner Classic Movies are on their way out as Warner Bros. Discovery layoffs are underway across the conglomerate’s TV networks division, TheWrap has learned.
Individuals at the network with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap that TCM’s senior vice president of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, vice president of studio production Anne Wilson, vice president of marketing and creative Dexter Fedor and TCM Enterprises vice president Genevieve McGillicuddy will all exit the company.
The latest departures follow news on Tuesday that TCM general manager Pola Chagnon is leaving the company after more than 25 years.
Also Read:
TCM Head Pola Changnon to Exit as More Warner Bros. Discovery Layoffs Hit Networks Team
U.S. Networks Group chairman and chief content officer Kathleen Finch said in a memo to staff Tuesday that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang,...
Individuals at the network with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap that TCM’s senior vice president of programming and content strategy Charles Tabesh, vice president of studio production Anne Wilson, vice president of marketing and creative Dexter Fedor and TCM Enterprises vice president Genevieve McGillicuddy will all exit the company.
The latest departures follow news on Tuesday that TCM general manager Pola Chagnon is leaving the company after more than 25 years.
Also Read:
TCM Head Pola Changnon to Exit as More Warner Bros. Discovery Layoffs Hit Networks Team
U.S. Networks Group chairman and chief content officer Kathleen Finch said in a memo to staff Tuesday that Michael Ouweleen, the president of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Pola Changnon, who runs Turner Classic Movies (TCM), is the latest executive to leave as part of the Warner Bros. Discovery shakeup.
Changnon, who was EVP and Gm of the cable network, has been with the company for more than 25 years. She took over the new role in 2020.
Michael Ouweleen, the President of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang, who previously oversaw TCM, will once again take charge of the network.
Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, revealed the news in a note to staff, see it below.
It comes after Deadline revealed that a number of executives across the cable networks group including Amy Introcaso-Davis, who was EVP, Development and Production, Factual Programming, Discovery. are leaving.
Here is Finch’s note to staff:
Dear TCM Team,
As you know, Pola has decided to step down after more than 15 years with the network and...
Changnon, who was EVP and Gm of the cable network, has been with the company for more than 25 years. She took over the new role in 2020.
Michael Ouweleen, the President of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Discovery Family and Boomerang, who previously oversaw TCM, will once again take charge of the network.
Kathleen Finch, Chairman and Chief Content Officer, US Networks Group, revealed the news in a note to staff, see it below.
It comes after Deadline revealed that a number of executives across the cable networks group including Amy Introcaso-Davis, who was EVP, Development and Production, Factual Programming, Discovery. are leaving.
Here is Finch’s note to staff:
Dear TCM Team,
As you know, Pola has decided to step down after more than 15 years with the network and...
- 6/20/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“Goddamn it Chief, you’re about as big as a damn mountain! “
Get ready to laugh, cry, scream, sigh, and sing along with some of the greatest movies ever made, because throughout 2020, Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies are teaming up for the fourth year in a row to present the hugely popular TCM Big Screen Classics Series in movie theaters nationwide.
In addition to pristine digital projection and movie-quality sound, each presentation will also feature all-new pre- and post-film commentary from popular TCM hosts, showcasing what makes each of these unique cinematic achievements such an important – and lasting – part of movie history. We hope you can share this exciting news with fellow movie lovers!
Now in its fourth year, the TCM Big Screen Classicsseries continues to grow in popularity. In 2019, many events in the series experienced sold-out audiences and ranked near or at the top of box-office results – showcasing...
Get ready to laugh, cry, scream, sigh, and sing along with some of the greatest movies ever made, because throughout 2020, Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies are teaming up for the fourth year in a row to present the hugely popular TCM Big Screen Classics Series in movie theaters nationwide.
In addition to pristine digital projection and movie-quality sound, each presentation will also feature all-new pre- and post-film commentary from popular TCM hosts, showcasing what makes each of these unique cinematic achievements such an important – and lasting – part of movie history. We hope you can share this exciting news with fellow movie lovers!
Now in its fourth year, the TCM Big Screen Classicsseries continues to grow in popularity. In 2019, many events in the series experienced sold-out audiences and ranked near or at the top of box-office results – showcasing...
- 12/4/2019
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
When you think of Turner Classic Movies, the cinephile haven, you probably wouldn’t imagine that Rob Reiner’s delightful 1989 comedy, When Harry Met Sally… would be the opening night attraction and key art representative for the 10th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival, now taking place through Sunday night at the Tcl Grauman’s Chinese and Egyptian theatres. But indeed the times they are a-changin’ and 30 years after its release (which I was around to cover) Reiner’s film with its Oscar-nominated screenplay by the late great Nora Ephron is furthering TCM’s definition of a “Classic.”
When I recently spoke to Festival Director Genevieve McGillicuddy she acknowledged it is a more contemporary choice than the previous openers for the TCM fest, but thinks it is entirely appropriate. “Really, you know that film even when it came out in 1989 was certainly clearly a nod to romantic comedies of the past.
When I recently spoke to Festival Director Genevieve McGillicuddy she acknowledged it is a more contemporary choice than the previous openers for the TCM fest, but thinks it is entirely appropriate. “Really, you know that film even when it came out in 1989 was certainly clearly a nod to romantic comedies of the past.
- 4/12/2019
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
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