Andrew deWaard, Assistant Professor of Media and Popular Culture at UC San Diego, delves into how Wall Street influences cultural production. He critiques the rise of derivative media, revealing how financial motivations damage creativity in film and music. DeWaard discusses the impact of hedge funds on media narratives and job security, using examples like '30 Rock' and the evolution of hip hop. He emphasizes the need for a critical understanding of media's financialization to protect original content in an increasingly corporate landscape.

Andrew deWaard, an assistant professor at UC San Diego, dives into the financialization of media and its dramatic impacts on culture. He discusses how profit margins have led to increased corporate consolidation in Hollywood, affecting artists' livelihoods. The conversation sheds light on the role of private equity and hedge funds in driving this transformation. DeWaard also highlights the decline of original storytelling and the shift towards intellectual property, revealing the challenges faced by creators in the current landscape.

Andrew deWaard, Assistant Professor of Media and Popular Culture at UC San Diego, dives into how Wall Street's financial interests are reshaping popular culture. He argues that the surge in derivative media—like reboots and franchises—stems not from audience demand but from corporate greed. DeWaard explores the detrimental effects of financialization on creativity and storytelling, critiquing the dominance of licensing and the prioritization of recognizable properties over original content. He highlights the cultural consequences of viewing art as mere financial assets in today's media landscape.