Stuart Ford raises concerns about how the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger overlooks the effects on independent filmmaking, urging industry leaders to take action.
AGC CEO and chairman Stuart Ford has voiced serious concerns regarding the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. In a compelling guest column published on September 18, 2026, by Deadline, Ford underscores the merger's neglect of the independent film sector, urging industry stakeholders to recognize the ramifications for creativity and diversity within filmmaking.
Ford, a seasoned veteran in independent cinema with prior experience at Miramax and IM Global, remarked that discussions surrounding the Paramount-WBD merger inadequately address the critical issues faced by independent filmmakers. He pointed out that the recently presented antitrust complaint primarily focuses on theater chains and streaming services but largely omits considerations affecting independent film and international television production. This oversight represents a substantial risk for the industry, as it fails to acknowledge the importance of independent creators in fostering innovative storytelling.
According to Ford, the merger poses severe economic and structural challenges for independent filmmaking. Specifically, he highlighted the declining Pay-1 license fees—integral for independent producers in securing project financing. As major buyers in the U.S. dwindle, independent sellers find themselves in a weaker bargaining position, thereby intensifying financial challenges within the sector. The erosion of this revenue stream, coupled with heightened competition, threatens to stifle the financial viability of independent projects.
Beyond economic pressures, Ford identified a significant creative squeeze on independent filmmakers. He argued that independent film serves as a crucial platform for unique and authentic narratives that exist outside the constraints of franchised content. The economic tightening resulting from the merger could jeopardize these avenues for artistic expression, diminishing opportunities for bold and innovative voices in the industry. Ford emphasized that preserving support for independent filmmaking is essential for maintaining the richness of cinema.
The implications of prioritizing the merger over independent filmmakers further extend to major studios created by this deal. Ford noted that many successful box office hits often originate as independent films before receiving studio backing. By undermining independent filmmakers, major studios risk constraining their own pipeline of fresh, original content. Consequently, if independent voices are marginalized, audiences may migrate to alternative platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where new storytellers can thrive without traditional studio support.
As Hollywood undergoes transformation, it is imperative for industry stakeholders to acknowledge and empower the independent filmmaking community. Strategies must be implemented to foster investment in independent voices, facilitating creativity and innovation. The newly formed entity resulting from the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger will need to strike a balance between supporting mainstream and independent productions, ensuring diverse storytelling remains at the forefront of the entertainment industry.
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