
The Town with Matthew Belloni
Are Expensive Showrunner Deals Worth It?
Aug 23, 2024
Lesley Goldberg, the former TV editor of The Hollywood Reporter, joins to dissect the financial frenzy of costly showrunner deals during the peak TV era. They delve into staggering nine-figure contracts that yielded no new shows, analyzing which deals hit the mark and which fizzled out. The conversation includes a look at high-stakes agreements, such as the $250 million deal with Bad Robot, and how different release strategies impact viewership. Tune in for insights on navigating creative control and the dynamics of TV's competitive landscape!
36:50
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the mixed results of expensive showrunner deals, emphasizing the need for studios to analyze return on investment carefully.
- Successful creators like Shonda Rhimes and Taylor Sheridan exemplify how strategic partnerships can lead to significant revenue-driven franchises despite market downturns.
Deep dives
The Biggest Hollywood Heist
In 2014, a group of hackers executed a massive cyberattack on Sony Pictures, resulting in the release of confidential documents. This incident was not just a breach of security but also led to significant repercussions, affecting countless lives and reshaping the landscape of Hollywood. The situation escalated to the point of creating an international crisis, highlighting the vulnerabilities of even major corporations in the face of cyber warfare. The hack serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing threats posed by hackers and the consequences that such breaches can have on industries and individuals alike.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.