Five Burning Hollywood Questions for the Rest of 2024
Sep 9, 2024
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Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg journalist who specializes in the entertainment industry, joins to dissect pivotal questions facing Hollywood in 2024. They dive into Disney's leadership changes and ponder if the political landscape will reshape the industry. The duo considers the potential consolidation of streaming services amid competition and discusses the upcoming Oscars, raising concerns about the strength of this year's nominees. Their insights shine a light on the uncertain yet intriguing future of entertainment.
The ongoing executive succession battle at Disney is critical, with four candidates vying to replace Bob Iger amid rising internal competition.
The political landscape, especially the potential outcomes of the upcoming election, could dramatically reshape Hollywood's approach to regulation and consolidation.
Deep dives
The Shifting Landscape of Hollywood
The podcast discusses the slow summer in Hollywood, highlighting a significant drop in film and TV production alongside fewer major deals. With the fall season approaching, the conversation shifts to expectations for increased activity as major events like the NFL and Emmys dominate the media landscape. Industry insiders feel that a major change is imminent, as they await significant developments, particularly around potential executive successions at major studios. The anticipation is heightened by ongoing narratives at companies like Disney and Warner Brothers, making this fall a pivotal moment for the entertainment industry.
The Succession Battle at Disney
The discussion focuses on the internal competition at Disney for the company's top executive position as Bob Iger’s tenure nears its end. Four executives are vying for consideration, with profiles surfacing in the media that could influence perceptions within the board. Analysts suggest that while media narratives can affect optics, the primary concern for the board remains choosing the right successor who can handle the complexities of the business. The executives are seen as needing more experience in areas outside their current responsibilities, with the timeline for the succession becoming increasingly critical.
Political Climate and Regulatory Changes
The potential outcomes of the upcoming election are anticipated to have profound effects on Hollywood, particularly concerning government regulation and consolidation. Executives in the industry are operating in a state of uncertainty, hesitating to make significant mergers or acquisitions due to the current regulatory environment. The podcast notes that a change in administration could lead to a more favorable stance on industry consolidation, affecting how companies position themselves moving forward. This political landscape is crucial as it shapes not only the potential for mergers but also overall strategies for Hollywood executives.
The Evolving Streaming Services Landscape
The podcast addresses the growing consensus that the streaming market is overcrowded, leading to discussions about potential mergers or partnerships among streaming services. There is speculation that some services might disappear or be absorbed into larger platforms, driven by profitability concerns and the need for scalability. The narrative highlights ongoing conversations among major players like Paramount, Warner Brothers, and Amazon regarding joint ventures. As interest rates and regulatory pressure hold back significant deals, the consolidation of streaming services is viewed as an inevitable outcome in the industry.
Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to pose their five biggest questions about the entertainment industry for the remainder of 2024. They discuss Disney and Bob Iger’s succession plan, whether the election will fundamentally change Hollywood, whether we could lose a streaming service in the next four months, and how this award season stacks up to those from past years (02:00).
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