HBO Max Europe Originals team faces firing at Warner Bros Discovery, with final productions to be licensed – “It feels like the end of an era,” producers say

The future of HBO Max’s European originals team has looked bleak since its inception, with Warner Bros Discovery ceasing production on the continent and now appearing to be facing an end.

The majority of the unit, overseen by EMEA chief of content Antony Root, is in talks about its future, although many of the unit’s production will continue in Europe in the coming months. With all employees leaving or reassigning in the coming months, Root’s future is uncertain.

Sources say nearly all European shows in development have been canceled, while some have been shelved before production in Eastern Europe.

For example, the program without a Romanian script a real singerThe second season has been canceled and filming will begin this month, according to the script of the series. the map The second season is gone. Several shows have been canceled in other parts of Europe.

Some remain in production and should be licensed to other broadcasters or streamers.

It comes after it was revealed that WBD has cut production in Europe as David Zaslav and his team try to find $ 3 billion in spending following the merger between Warner Bros and Discovery.

The measure mainly affects activities in Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the Netherlands and Turkey. France and Spain were not affected, although the picture remains unclear in these areas. The news surprised HBO Max commissioners.

With many producers mourning the loss, HBO Europe was considered the continent’s pioneer in the mid-2000s, when other US-owned studios were focusing elsewhere. HBO Europe was based in Romania, with shows such as the local version of the Israeli script format. in therapy was produced. A local producer in the country summed up the vibe, telling Deadline: “It’s like the end of an era.”

Sources within WBD are predicting a staff announcement in September, although the exact nature is not yet known.

WBD in Europe could not be reached for comment before today’s release.

Information about the dismissal was first reported by TBI.