Gene Maddaus
Senior media reporter for Variety who investigates industry trends such as the rapid growth of nonunion microdrama production and related union issues.
Best podcasts with Gene Maddaus
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Oct 16, 2025 • 19min
Daily Variety -- AI Vs. Script Readers – Who Does the Job Better?; Microdramas, Creators and YouTube Dominate Mipcom Buzz
Investigative entertainment reporter Gene Maddaus explores the testing of AI script-coverage tools versus human analysts, revealing AI's strengths in summarizing but weaknesses in capturing nuance. He discusses industry concerns about AI's potential to overlook hidden gems and highlights the role of the Editors Guild. In a lively roundtable on MIPCOM, international veterans share insights on YouTube’s presence and the rise of microdramas, emphasizing the evolving landscape of content and collaboration in the creative sector.
Nov 18, 2025 • 18min
Daily Variety -- Nonunion Microdrama Production Grows Fast in the U.S.; Takeaways From AFM With Elsa Keslassy
Join Gene Maddaus, Senior media reporter at Variety, who dives into the booming trend of nonunion microdrama production in the U.S. and the implications for actors. Elsa Keslassy, Variety's international editor, shares insights on the American Film Market, discussing its impact on independent films and notable deals, including those involving Mel Gibson and Marc Ruffalo. Together, they explore the creative dynamics of microdramas, the challenges of unionizing these projects, and the growing presence of U.S. companies in Europe.
