Leonine CEO Fred Kogel Expresses Confidence in Skydance's Vision for Film and Television

Fred Kogel, the chief executive of Leonine Studios, Germany's leading independent film and television company, is a staunch supporter of the newly formed Skydance, which now encompasses Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. He believes firmly in the vision of its leaders, David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz, particularly their commitment to significantly increasing film production. Kogel also sees substantial avenues for collaboration between Leonine and the expanded Skydance, both in cinematic and television endeavors, while acknowledging the perpetually competitive nature of the global distribution landscape.

German Film Executive Praises Skydance's Strategic Direction and Market Impact

On October 12, 2026, Fred Kogel, the esteemed chief executive of Munich-based Leonine Studios, Germany's foremost independent distribution and production powerhouse, articulated a strong sense of optimism regarding the recent merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, now unified under the Skydance banner. In a candid discussion with industry experts, Kogel highlighted his unwavering faith in Skydance's ambitious pledge to deliver more than 30 feature films annually. He attributed this confidence to David Ellison's distinguished track record as a producer, characterizing him as a rare blend of astute businessman and creative visionary deeply passionate about filmmaking.

Kogel underscored that Ellison's extensive experience in the production and theatrical sectors reassures him of Skydance's capacity to meet its increased production targets. He acknowledged the inherent challenges in scaling film output, emphasizing the necessity of sustained development and a robust project pipeline. Despite Skydance's considerable debt obligations, Kogel dismissed concerns, citing the company's "extraordinary assets, IPs, and possibilities." He expressed profound trust in the leadership of Ellison and Ynon Kreiz, lauding their strong partnership and their collective ability to navigate a demanding market with vision, resilience, and courage.

Looking ahead, Kogel envisions fertile ground for cooperation between Leonine and Skydance. He identified potential for Leonine to produce films for Skydance, particularly through leveraging existing intellectual properties, and to contribute to television drama series. He referenced Leonine's successful ongoing partnership with HBO Max in Germany, a market he identifies as Europe's largest and a crucial global player. Kogel stressed the importance of local German productions for streaming services to cultivate long-term audience engagement, positioning Skydance, with its strong platforms like HBO Max and Paramount+, as a significant investor in this area.

While an increase in Skydance's film output might suggest heightened competition for Leonine's distribution arm, Kogel viewed it differently. Having spent years in the distribution business, he noted that intense competition is the norm. He asserted that every high-quality film entering the German market benefits the entire theatrical ecosystem. For Kogel, the critical factor is not merely the number of films, but their quality and their ability to attract audiences to cinemas. He stressed that a competitive market, driven by strong, audience-pleasing content, ultimately serves everyone involved in the film industry, including German productions that often struggle to find "must-see" status. Kogel also hinted at potential opportunities for Leonine to distribute Paramount and Warner Bros. films in German-speaking regions, emphasizing a scenario where independent distributors might carve out releases when major studios do not operate extensive local distribution networks.

Kogel also reflected on the broader implications of a merged Paramount+/HBO Max streaming group. He believes that strong partners foster a healthier business environment, benefiting Leonine through enhanced collaboration opportunities. While acknowledging the inevitable increase in streaming competition, he sees this as a positive development for content creators and licensors, promoting a dynamic market for quality content. Finally, Kogel pointed to Leonine's strategic advantage as part of the larger Mediawan Group, led by Pierre-Antoine Capton. This affiliation facilitates co-productions and broader collaborations across various formats, such as the successful remake of 'Weekend Rebels' for Apple. However, he cautioned that Germany's current tax credit system needs improvement to attract more U.S. studio productions, hindering its competitiveness compared to other European territories.

This detailed account from Fred Kogel offers a compelling insight into the evolving landscape of global film and television. His perspective highlights a forward-thinking approach, embracing strategic partnerships and recognizing the enduring importance of high-quality content in a fiercely competitive market. Kogel's emphasis on the synergy between creative vision and business acumen, particularly in the leadership of David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz, paints a picture of a dynamic industry poised for continued growth and innovation. His insights regarding the German market's unique position and the need for improved local production incentives underscore the complex interplay of global strategies and regional realities. Ultimately, the story is one of optimism, strategic adaptation, and a deep-seated belief in the power of compelling storytelling to captivate audiences worldwide.