A new economic study suggests that a proposed merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance could generate nearly $20 billion in annual economic activity and support over 90,000 jobs across the United States.

Economic Impact

The report examined the companies’ commitment to release 30 movies in theaters each year after the merger, with each studio releasing 15 films annually. It also looked at the impact of keeping those movies in theaters for at least 45 days before making them available on streaming services.

According to the study, producing 30 theatrical films each year would generate nearly $12.3 billion in economic activity, including about $2.7 billion in direct studio spending and roughly $9.5 billion in indirect and induced economic activity.

Job Creation

The study estimated that film production would directly support about 7,100 jobs, plus 39,300 jobs in the broader economy, for a total of roughly 46,400 jobs. It also estimated that the production would generate about $1.9 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.

The report also examined the impact of releasing those movies in theaters. Researchers estimated theatrical releases would generate more than $7.3 billion in additional economic activity each year, including over $2.6 billion in ticket sales and another $4.75 billion in spending at restaurants, food suppliers, hotels, transportation companies and other businesses.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.