David Ellison, born January 9, 1983, is an American film producer, founder, and CEO of Skydance Media, as well as chairman and CEO of Paramount Skydance following the landmark Paramount-Skydance merger.[1][2][3] The son of Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison and Barbara Boothe, he grew up with significant family wealth but carved his own path in Hollywood, initially studying at USC's film school before dropping out to pursue acting and production.[3][4] Ellison founded Skydance Productions in 2006, formally launching it in 2010 with major financing from his father and JPMorgan Chase, enabling partnerships with studios like Paramount.[1][3] His early credits include executive producing films such as *Flyboys* (2006), *True Grit* (2010), *Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol* (2011), and *Jack Reacher* (2012).[2] Skydance expanded into blockbusters, with Ellison overseeing the *Mission: Impossible* franchise—including *Rogue Nation* (2015), *Fallout* (2018), *Dead Reckoning* (2023), and *The Final Reckoning* (2025)—and *Star Trek Into Darkness* (2013).[1][2] A pinnacle achievement was producing *Top Gun: Maverick* (2022), a massive critical and commercial hit that earned six Oscar nominations and one win, solidifying Skydance's studio status.[1][2][4] In television, he executive produced hits like *Grace and Frankie* (2015–2018), *Altered Carbon* (2018–2019), and *FUBAR* (2023).[2] Recognized early, he made *Variety*'s 2010 Dealmaker list and *Forbes* 30 Under 30 in 2011, with an Oscar nomination for Best Picture for *Top Gun: Maverick*.[2] The 2024 Paramount merger, valued at $8 billion, elevated Ellison to lead a media empire spanning film, TV, animation, and more, marking a generational shift in Hollywood amid industry challenges.[1][3][4] Married to Sandra Lynn Modic since 2011 with two children, Ellison is noted for his passion for aviation, Ferraris, and a reputation as kind and innovative.[1][3][4] (298 words)