Brooks Barnes

Brooks Barnes, Chief Hollywood correspondent for The New York Times, and Alissa Wilkinson, film critic for the same publication, delve into the pressing implications of AI in the entertainment industry. They discuss how AI is currently influencing filmmaking, from digital de-aging to generating immersive scenes on a budget. The conversation touches on labor risks for actors and VFX workers and raises concerns about the authenticity of AI-generated content in documentaries. Their insights reveal a complex future where technology and creativity collide.

Brooks Barnes, a Hollywood reporter for The New York Times, and Mekado Murphy, an assistant film editor and unofficial roller-coaster correspondent, dive into the fascinating world of amusement parks. They share childhood memories of carnival life and discuss how it shaped their love for theme parks. The duo explores the competitive landscape between Disney and Universal, highlighting innovations like Epic Universe and safety concerns stemming from ride tragedies. They also reveal their favorite parks, emphasizing the emotional connections these attractions foster among families.

Brooks Barnes, a NYT staff reporter covering Hollywood, joins to discuss Paramount's new direction under David Ellison. They dive into strategic shifts in theater windows and content spend, touching on potential sales of cable assets like MTV. The duo also tackles the impact of transparency in leadership and ongoing changes in media ownership. As a fun wrap-up, they predict how Taylor Swift's appearance on a popular podcast will affect listener engagement and viewership, showcasing her powerful influence in today's media landscape.