Entertainment · Film · 14 hrs ago
Leonine chief sees opportunities in Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
Fred Kogel, head of Germany’s independent film and TV company Leonine Studios, is optimistic about the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros.
Discovery under Skydance.
Skydance chief David Ellison has committed to producing more than 30 movies a year.
Kogel says Ellison’s experience as a producer and Skydance’s project pipeline give him confidence the company can meet that target.
He also says he trusts Ellison and Ynon Kreiz, who leads the merged company’s parent group, to manage its business despite a tough market and Skydance’s debt burden.
Kogel sees room for Leonine to produce films and TV series for Skydance.
Leonine already makes German productions with HBO Max, including the series “Four Blocks Zero” and the documentary “Clangold.”
Kogel says locally made German content matters to streaming services and broadcasters seeking lasting ties with audiences.
Leonine Studios chief executive Fred Kogel said the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger could create opportunities for the German company.
Kogel said Leonine could produce films or television drama series for Skydance, which is now part of the merged company.
He expressed confidence that Skydance chief David Ellison would meet his commitment to produce more than 30 movies a year.
Kogel cited Leonine’s existing production work with HBO Max in Germany as evidence of its experience with the streaming service.
- Who
- Fred Kogel, chief executive of Leonine Studios, discussed the merger and its potential effects.
- What
- Kogel said the merger could create production opportunities for Leonine with Skydance.
- When
- Variety published the interview on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The discussion focused on Germany and German-language territories.
- Why
- Kogel said Leonine could produce local films and premium television content for Skydance.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
HBO Max started in Germany.
Leonine and HBO Max started their first major German original, Four Blocks Zero.
- Leonine chief executive
- Fred Kogel
- Annual movie commitment
- More than 30 movies
- German original
- Four Blocks Zero
- Production banner
- Wiedemann & Berg Television
- HBO Max documentary
- Clangold
What people are saying
I think David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz are a very strong team.
If there is IP that is convincing and that can be produced by us, it could be a natural fit to work with another distributor.
Local German productions are very important for all streamers and broadcasters to create a long-term commitment from the German audience.
Sources
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