The Town with Matthew Belloni

Lucas Shaw, a media and entertainment reporter at Bloomberg, joins to unveil the most under-covered stories of 2025. The duo explores Marvel's disappointing box office results amidst superhero fatigue and the rising trend of family-friendly films. They also dive into the complexities of AI in Hollywood, including a significant lawsuit against Midjourney. The conversation highlights Jack Black's unique appeal as a star and examines the industry's response to shifting audience preferences and competitive dynamics.

Kevin Goetz, CEO of Screen Engine/ASI and host of Don't Kill the Messenger, shares his insider knowledge on test screenings. He unveils how audience feedback can dramatically shape a film’s trajectory, detailing the complex relationship between filmmakers and viewer responses. Goetz explains the challenges of interpreting data and discusses the diverse approaches of studios versus streaming services. The conversation also touches on box office predictions for new releases, highlighting the struggle of original content against franchise blockbusters.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to unpack the first half of 2025's most overhyped stories. They delve into the implications of Trump's proposed film tariffs and Hollywood's ownership dynamics. The duo discusses the podcast landscape, the challenges posed by the manosphere, and recent Oscar controversies, particularly surrounding 'Amelia Perez.' Shaw also sheds light on the fierce rivalry between indie giants A24 and Neon and predicts the future of Hulu following its acquisition by Disney, hinting at a major strategic shift in streaming.

Matt is joined by Debra Birnbaum, the editor-in-chief of GoldDerby and a former head of awards at Amazon Studios, to delve into Emmy campaigning. They explore the differences between Emmy and Oscar campaigns, revealing the costs of both small and large efforts. Debra shares insights on the voting dynamics and statistics behind nominations. With a humorous look at outrageous tactics like buying billboards, they also make predictions about potential nominees for Best Drama and Comedy categories, sharing their expert viewpoints on the competitive landscape.

In this engaging discussion, David Kramer, the CEO of United Talent Agency, shares insights from his impressive journey, having started in the mailroom over 30 years ago. He delves into the dramatic shifts in talent representation, including the impact of streaming and AI on the industry. David examines the evolving payment structures for talent, the challenges posed by labor unrest, and the dual nature of private equity's influence. He also considers how agencies must adapt to capitalize on emerging sectors like sports and digital content.

Lucas Shaw, a media and entertainment reporter for Bloomberg, joins to dissect the breakup of Warner Bros. Discovery. They explore the motivations behind the split, and what it means for HBO Max and CNN. Shaw speculates on potential buyers for the spun-off companies, including Netflix’s interest in DC franchises. The discussion touches on the broader challenges of the media landscape, from declining cable markets to the evolving dynamics of streaming and acquisitions, offering insights into the future of major content players.

Join veteran publicist Lewis Kay, co-CEO of Kovert Creative, who represents stars like Jimmy Kimmel and Amy Poehler. He dives into the evolved landscape of celebrity PR, highlighting how social media has transformed press tours. Lewis discusses the blend of traditional and digital media strategies that celebrities must navigate today. He also touches on the authenticity needed in modern PR and its impact on public perception, while providing insights into the upcoming film 'Ballerina' and its marketing dynamics.

John Johnson, a nine-time Tony Award-winning producer, shares insights on his latest production, ‘Good Night and Good Luck.’ He discusses the groundbreaking decision to stream it live on CNN, marking a new era for Broadway. The conversation dives into the financial challenges of theater, the allure of star power, and how celebrity casting impacts ticket sales. Johnson also explores the evolving landscape of Broadway, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptation in an age influenced by streaming platforms.

Lucas Shaw, a music industry expert at Bloomberg, joins to dissect Taylor Swift's bold move to reclaim her master recordings. They delve into the deal's intricate details and its significance for artist ownership, highlighting how Swift has reshaped the landscape for musicians. Shaw discusses the ripple effects for rising stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Bad Bunny and analyzes the shifting role of record labels. The conversation wraps with a glance at the NBA Finals viewership dynamics, evaluating celebrity influence across different industries.

Join comedian John Mulaney, known for his sharp wit and memorable SNL sketches, as he dives into his experience writing for the SNL 50th Anniversary special. He shares insights on getting creative freedom with his late-night Netflix show and reflects on the evolution of late-night television. Mulaney also reminisces about touring with his family while navigating the unique challenges of comedy in today’s media landscape, sprinkled with humor and nostalgia.