Brief
Top indie‑film lawyer doubts benefits of Paramount‑Warner Bros. merger
Lawyer Lisa Callif warned clients not to rely on the merged studio for indie projects.
By Felo News Desk · Published
During the Hollywood Reporter’s Power Managers breakfast on Oct. 21, 2026, entertainment lawyer Lisa Callif said the upcoming Paramount‑Warner Bros. merger is "not the best thing for independent content creation." Callif, a founding partner at Donaldson Callif Perez, spoke after receiving the Business Manager Icon award at the event.
What happened
The breakfast, held at Spago in Beverly Hills and presented by City National Bank, coincided with the release of THR’s annual Business Managers Power List. After opening remarks by THR executive vice president Lori O’Connor, editor‑in‑chief Maer Roshan and United Talent Agency CEO David Kramer discussed industry upheavals, a fireside chat featured Callif.
What the reports add
The Hollywood Reporter article notes that Callif’s clientele includes indie producers such as Richard Linklater and the Safdie brothers. She explained that a film once "bullish" from Paramount Skydance lost momentum about two weeks ago, illustrating the uncertainty indie projects face under the new corporate structure.
What was said
Callif told the audience, "I wouldn’t say it’s the best thing for independent content creation," and added, "I do think it opens up opportunities for other entities to come aboard, for other people to do things in a true indie spirit, but my clientele and our peers are not excited about the merger, especially for independent filmmaking." She also advised clients not to count on deals with the merged company.
How it came about
The merger, announced earlier this year, will combine Paramount Skydance with Warner Bros. Discovery under the Skydance name, with a closing date of Oct. 6, 2026. The deal has already prompted executive exits and plans for separate studio slates, as reported in earlier Felo News coverage.
Key facts
- Lawyer Lisa Callif said the Paramount‑Warner Bros. merger is not beneficial for independent filmmaking. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Callif advises indie clients not to rely on the merged studio for deals. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- The Power Managers breakfast took place on Oct. 21, 2026 at Spago in Beverly Hills. (hollywoodreporter.com)
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com — originally reported as “Why a Top Hollywood Lawyer for Indie Projects Isn’t Excited About the Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger”
