FX’s John Landgraf on Resisting the Algorithm, Green-lighting ‘Shogun’, and ‘The Bear’ S3
Oct 29, 2024
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John Landgraf, CEO of FX and a key player in shaping contemporary television, joins Lucas Shaw to discuss the state of the industry. They dive into the challenges of FX's curation under Disney, the intricate development of 'Shogun', and the ups and downs of 'The Bear' Season 3. Landgraf sheds light on HBO's struggles, the shifting power dynamics in streaming, and the importance of integrating creativity and business. The conversation also explores the effects of algorithms on creative expression and the hunt for fresh voices in a rapidly evolving medium.
John Landgraf highlighted that FX's strong creative identity continues due to strategic changes from Disney amidst industry pressures.
He expressed concern over decentralized power in streaming services, emphasizing the need for creative authority to uphold quality storytelling.
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Launch of Ringer Movies on YouTube
A new YouTube channel, Ringer Movies, has been launched to enhance movie coverage for fans of The Ringer. This channel features full episodes of popular shows such as The Rewatchables and The Big Picture, along with special live episodes and deep dives into movie history. The aim is to provide entertaining content that showcases the chemistry and humor of Ringer personalities, such as Chris Ryan's comedic impersonations. The channel serves as a platform for movie enthusiasts to engage with a wider array of film-related discussions and content.
Insights from John Landgraf on FX's Evolution
John Landgraf, CEO of FX, provided valuable insights into the network's curation process and challenges following its acquisition by Disney. He emphasized that the existence of FX as a separate brand is due to the strategic changes brought on by Disney, which has allowed FX to continue producing high-quality content despite industry pressures. Landgraf mentioned that without Disney, FX would struggle to compete in the ever-evolving landscape of streaming services, underscoring how joining a larger ecosystem has enabled FX to retain its creative identity. He also reflected on the difficult landscape for cable networks in general, highlighting the critical role of a clear brand identity.
The Importance of Creative Process in Television
Landgraf discussed the significance of maintaining a strong creative process while addressing the problems faced by networks like HBO. He noted that the quality of content relies heavily on a thoughtful and thorough approach to development, ensuring that scripts, casting, and production are handled with care. He expressed concern about the decentralization of power within streaming platforms, which often leads to a disconnect between creative authority and business strategy. According to Landgraf, fostering a culture where creative teams hold decision-making power is essential for successful storytelling and maintaining quality in television.
The Cultural Shift in Television Consumption
The conversation also touched upon how the rise of the internet and streaming services has transformed the cultural relevance of television. Landgraf lamented the loss of television as a central social currency, where audiences collectively engaged with content that shaped common cultural touchpoints. He highlighted that the disaggregation of content consumption has diluted the impact television once had, noting that audience engagement is now fragmented across numerous individual platforms. This fragmentation, according to Landgraf, signals a broader shift away from the traditional storytelling model centered on professional writers and actors, as consumers increasingly seek content through personalized, algorithm-driven experiences.
Live from NeueHouse in L.A. Matt is joined by Lucas Shaw and FX CEO John Landgraf for the second half of their conversation about the state of television. They discuss his curation process at FX, how Disney has changed FX, how ‘Shogun’ came together, and what happened with Season 3 of ‘The Bear.’ They also talk about HBO's recent struggles, the importance of process and the problem with the decentralized power at streaming services (01:34).
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