NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee officials are making a direct pitch to Paramount Skydance, asking the entertainment giant to consider the Volunteer State as it plans its future.
The Pitch
NewsChannel 5 has obtained a letter from Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter encouraging Paramount Skydance to consider Tennessee as a future home for the company.
In the July 2 letter to Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, McWhorter congratulated Ellison on what he called a “remarkable new chapter” for Paramount Skydance and said the company has an opportunity to help shape the future of the entertainment industry.
“Few leaders have the opportunity to redefine an iconic company while simultaneously shaping the future of an industry,” McWhorter wrote. “As you look ahead, I encourage you to consider Tennessee as the home for that future.”
The recruitment effort comes at a time when Paramount Skydance is facing a California-led antitrust challenge over its proposed merger with Warner Brothers Discovery. A coalition of 12 state attorneys general, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, filed a lawsuit seeking to block the deal, arguing the transaction would reduce competition in the entertainment industry.
Despite Tennessee's overture, Paramount has not publicly indicated that it is considering moving its headquarters. According to the Hollywood Reporter, a company spokesperson confirmed Paramount received McWhorter's letter but declined further comment.
McWhorter’s pitch focused on Tennessee’s low taxes, business-friendly policies and workforce development programs, along with the state’s growing technology and creative industries.
He also pointed to Nashville’s entertainment history, Tennessee’s colleges and universities, the state’s central location and Nashville International Airport as reasons Paramount Skydance should consider moving operations here.
NewsChannel 5 also requested an interview with McWhorter. His office said it could not accommodate an interview Wednesday but provided a statement.
“Paramount is a globally recognized company and well-respected brand. While we cannot comment on specifics, TNECD remains committed to working with companies across a wide range of industries that are exploring opportunities to invest and grow in Tennessee,” the department said.
The letter does not identify a specific Tennessee location, describe a potential studio site or outline how much the state could offer in incentives. It also does not say whether Paramount Skydance has expressed interest in relocating.
Bipartisan praise and questions arise
The idea of bringing Paramount Skydance to Tennessee received bipartisan praise from state lawmakers, who pointed to the potential for high-paying jobs and economic investment. "Paramount is big business, and they would bring a lot of really good, high paying jobs to Tennessee," House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) told NewsChannel 5.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) also said a relocation could benefit the state's economy and workforce. "I think it would be a great opportunity for the state of Tennessee and our local economy, especially our workers here," Clemmons said.
Ellison already has ties to Tennessee. His father, Oracle founder Larry Ellison, is overseeing the development of Oracle's large East Bank campus project in Nashville.
Still, given the size of Paramount and Warner Bros. respective Hollywood studio lots, a relocation to Tennessee could require land deals or big economic incentives.
Clemmons said the state should closely scrutinize any proposal involving significant taxpayer incentives. "I don't think we should have to give away the farm to recruit these businesses here," he said.
Lamberth raised a different concern, saying he would not want a potential relocation to bring what he views as California's political culture to Tennessee. He also expressed reservations about organized labor, while also saying it wouldn't be a deal breaker either. "Unions in general are a little uncomfortable in this state, but we love union members if we don’t necessarily love the union complex," said Lamberth.
The state has not announced any specific incentive package related to Paramount Skydance, and there has been no public indication that the company is actively exploring a move to Tennessee.
Have any additional details that would be helpful to know about this story? Email me at Chris.Davis@NewsChannel5.com.
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