David Ellison is known for producing high-octane blockbusters filled with suspense and stunts, defining his Hollywood career. On Sunday, he landed his biggest cliffhanger yet by striking a deal to merge with Paramount after months of negotiations with the company and its controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone. If the deal closes, he will be leading a sprawling media empire that includes CBS, MTV, and the Paramount movie studio.
Despite being in Hollywood for over a decade, David Ellison, 41, is now taking center stage. Let’s take a closer look at his career.
Who is David Ellison, and what is Skydance?
While Mr. Ellison’s early acting career was relatively unremarkable, he gained fame as a producer. His family’s influence, particularly his father Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, gave him the means to fund big-budget films like “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol” and “Star Trek Into Darkness.” His company, Skydance Media, saw its valuation soar to over $4 billion with investments from firms like RedBird Capital Partners and KKR. As the CEO of Skydance, he co-produced hits like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” with Paramount, securing his place among Hollywood’s elite.
Not only has David Ellison produced blockbuster films, but he is also a daredevil himself. His passion for flying planes started in his adolescence, and he even competed in acrobatic air shows into his 20s.
How is David Ellison’s family involved in Hollywood?
Larry Ellison is personally backing Skydance’s bid for Paramount, showcasing the family’s support for David’s endeavors. His sister, Megan Ellison, founded Annapurna, known for producing acclaimed films like “Her” and “American Hustle.” David’s wife, Sandra Lynn, is a country singer-songwriter. Despite their Hollywood connections, neither Megan Ellison nor Sandra Lynn are part of Skydance’s executive team.
What are David Ellison’s plans for Paramount?
While David Ellison has not publicly revealed his plans for Paramount, discussions with the company’s board hint at a focus on streaming ventures and enhancing the company’s capabilities. Paramount’s shareholder, Shari Redstone, sees potential in Skydance’s tech and animation expertise. A possible collaboration with another major entertainment company for a streaming joint venture is on the horizon.
David Ellison’s vision includes supercharging Paramount’s streaming capabilities by optimizing recommendations and securing more efficient deals with data providers. With ownership stakes in Paramount’s successful shows and movies like “Mission: Impossible” and “Top Gun,” a merger could provide greater flexibility in managing these franchises.
Jeff Shell, a key executive at Skydance, could play a significant role at Paramount, adding further expertise to the combined entity.
Does Skydance have ties to other Hollywood companies?
While Skydance has a strong partnership with Paramount, it has also collaborated with other studios. With a multiyear deal to produce animated films for Netflix and projects with Amazon, Skydance’s reach extends beyond a single studio. The company has also ventured into sports media through Skydance Sports, enhancing its diverse portfolio in the entertainment industry.
Lauren Hirsch contributed to this report.
