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As expected, the **Writers Guild of America** has not taken kindly to Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison‘s latest threat to pull the storied studio out of California if state AG Rob Bonta refuses to settle an antitrust suit to block the planned merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.

“By threatening to leave the state because it doesn’t want the government to enforce the law, Paramount further proves the danger of its outsized power over the industry and what that will mean for writers and the creative community,” the guild said in a statement to Deadline on Tuesday afternoon. “This type of behavior is precisely why the merger should be blocked.”

**SOURCE/CREDIT**: Katie Campione - Deadline

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COMMENT FROM THE STREET:

"I've talked to some people in the industry about Paramount possibly relocating. It's kind of weird -- **Georgia** seems to be getting most of the attention in terms of a possible relocation site -- from 'both ends' of the table. 

I've talked to some industry people who have said that there is no way a media company like Paramount would survive in a state like Georgia. It just ain't going to happen. 

Then on the other end of the table -- I've talked to several industry people in California who have worked in **Georgia** on TV and movie projects, who said that they would be happy if Paramount relocated to Georgia -- it's cheaper to live and the state has a strong entertainment platform and strong industry support. 

So, there you have it."

Ashley, 39 - Sherman Oaks, CA

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"I would like to see **Paramount** stay in California -- with that being said however, I don't think that David Ellison is bluffing. Not saying it won't take time, but Ellison has the 'pockets' to rebuild outside of California"

Calvin, 47 - Los Angeles, CA

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"I have heard some California entertainment industry people take cheap shots at Tennessee and **Georgia**, for being possible relocation destinations for Paramount. 

**Georgia has built a solid TV/film industry reputation** \-- and the success of "Behind the Gates" has put a spotlight on Georgia. 

Tennessee's entertainment industry is more built around country music - but Ellison might still look at Nashville as a viable relocation option. 

And then Miami might also be an option Ellison is considering too."

Darius, 43 - Atlanta (Midtown) - formerly of Los Angeles, CA



"I don't think the **WGA's** opinion carries as much weight as it used to - you can pretty much say that about the other entertainment unions as well. 

Let's be honest here - the entertainment industry was already shrinking in California before this proposed merger. There are industry directors and writers who are selling their personal industry stuff online just to survive. Things are not so great for some actors right now either. Some are going to food banks and selling things online too. 

It takes a lot of money to keep up an 'image' in California. 

Rodney, 51 - Santa Monica, CA





  




(FYI) ... WGA Says David Ellison’s Threat That Paramount Will Leave California Over AG’s Antitrust Lawsuit “Proves The Danger Of Its Outsized Power”