Spielberg, Scorsese, and PTA team up for film curation on TCM

Warner Bros. Discovery has enlisted the expertise of a filmmaker brain trust to oversee the curation and programming of its acclaimed cable-TV channel Turner Classic Movies (TCM). This decision was made in response to concerns among fans due to recent management changes within the network.

Esteemed directors Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson have officially joined forces with Warner Bros. Discovery to provide their valuable input at TCM, according to an announcement made on Wednesday. Working closely with Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, the heads of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, the filmmakers will contribute their creative insights towards the curation and programming of TCM. This collaboration comes after a series of layoffs and management shakeup within TCM.

In a joint statement, the three filmmakers expressed their excitement about working with Mike and Pam, who share their passion and respect for classic cinema, which aligns with the TCM community’s values. They referred to this unique arrangement as a testament to David Zaslav’s commitment to honoring TCM’s legacy while involving them in shaping its curation and programming.

The inclusion of these filmmakers follows a recent round of layoffs at Warner Bros. Discovery, primarily affecting its cable-TV networks. Among the network changes, TCM underwent a significant transformation. TCM has long been celebrated for its preservation of classic films and carefully curated lineup that includes guest star introductions. The changes triggered concerns among movie buffs and preservation advocates, who voiced their distress on various social media platforms.

The filmmakers also expressed their appreciation for the decision to retain Charles Tabesh, TCM’s longstanding programming chief, who was initially set to depart as part of the shakeup.

In a previous statement, the filmmakers confirmed that David Zaslav had reached out to them, offering reassurance about TCM’s future. They remain committed to collaborating with the company for the betterment of TCM.

Since the merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery in 2022, the company has implemented several cost-cutting initiatives, including layoffs and reduced content spending.

Before the job cuts and network changes, Zaslav and Spielberg had discussions regarding the future of TCM, as reported by a reliable source. Last week, Zaslav initiated a conversation with Spielberg, Scorsese, and Anderson.

Spielberg and Anderson previously joined Zaslav for a panel discussion during the TCM Classic Film Festival in April, focusing on film preservation efforts, according to media reports.

Warner Bros. Discovery and its film executives have emphasized the company’s increased investment in TCM. A company spokesperson stated, “TCM is a cultural treasure which WBD is fully committed to safeguarding, supporting, and investing in for the future. This year, TCM’s content investment has grown by 30%, and we plan to build on that in future years.” The spokesperson also clarified that TCM is not immune to the challenges faced by the linear ecosystem, but steps have been taken to uphold the network’s mission of expanding its film offerings, driving content investment, and preserving the rich culture of cinema.

According to the same source, the increased investment will be utilized to license new films and expand the network’s diverse catalog.