“With the exception of things like late night, consumers really won’t notice anything for a while,” said Bakish. “Add to that a broad range of reality and unscripted, where we’re definitely a leader as well as sports, and that’s not affected. We can do more in those areas, if necessary.”
Paramount’s upcoming release slate features four franchise films, including the next Transformers and Mission: Impossible installments. Taylor Sheridan’s next show, Special Ops: Lioness, is also on the way.
Bakish was the first major media executive to speak publicly about the strike, which has now entered its third day. Writers have been picketing in New York and L.A., including outside Paramount’s headquarters.
The CEO likely won’t be the last to comment on the strike. Warner Bros. Discovery will report earnings on Friday, and Bob Iger and Disney go next week.
Upfront season
Paramount made waves late last year when it pulled out of 2023’s upfront week, abandoning its usual Carnegie Hall presence in favor of smaller client dinners.
According to Bakish, the company has now wrapped nine upfront events.
“We’re in a new format that strongly resonated with our clients in the room,” Bakish said, adding that clients liked that the events targeted specific buyer groups.
“That contrasts with the old model of one big presentation event and then a huge party after—not really effective anymore,” said Bakish. “We did it earlier, and that’s clearly better for us. And more efficient, because in aggregate it costs significantly less than the old model.”
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