Patty Jenkins Calls Paramount-Warner Merger ‘Chaos’ as Industry Leaders Debate Future

Amid growing concerns over the near-completion of the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, prominent filmmakers gathered in downtown Manhattan on Tuesday for the Tribeca and Chanel Through Her Lens luncheon. The event, held at Locanda Verde just one day after consolidation news broke, featured a candid discussion about the health of the studio system and the future of independent filmmaking.

“Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins, a long-time collaborator with Warner Bros., admitted she had largely ignored the merger developments. “It’s such chaos,” Jenkins told Variety. “I think the studio system is in such bad shape that I’m kind of tuning it out.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding David Ellison’s leadership, Jenkins remained open to future collaborations with the studio, noting, “You never know. I never say no to anything.”

Jenkins expressed optimism for the next generation of directors, arguing that emerging creators currently face fewer barriers than she did at the start of her career. She pointed to low-budget hits like “Backrooms” and “Obsession” as evidence that talented filmmakers can achieve box office success without major studio backing. “It’s a game-changer,” she said, celebrating the “democratization of being able to get your films to your audiences.”

Tribeca co-founder Jane Rosenthal offered a more cautious perspective, suggesting that young filmmakers today encounter greater obstacles than those in previous eras. Rosenthal described the business landscape as “a mess,” partly due to streaming-driven overproduction, though she acknowledged that the merger’s ultimate effects remain unclear.

However, Rosenthal identified a potential positive outcome from the corporate consolidation: it may pave the way for innovative independent distribution models. She highlighted recent moves by AMC, the nation’s largest theater chain, which announced an indie distribution venture last month. “Let’s see what that really means,” Rosenthal said.

The luncheon also launched this year’s Through Her Lens program, which supports five filmmaking teams through workshops, mentorship, and industry panels. One team will receive full financing for a short film via Tribeca Studios, while the other four will be awarded development grants. This year’s jury includes Halle Berry, Regina King, Meg Ryan, cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, and actress Ella Rubin. Emmy Rossum attended to support the initiative, emphasizing her desire to see quality stories reach wide audiences both in theaters and on streaming platforms.