Robbie Whelan, a Wall Street Journal reporter and Disney expert, joins to explore the enchanting world of Disney Cruises. They discuss the growing popularity of these family-friendly vacations, especially after the pandemic. Whelan highlights Disney's unique approach of blending exceptional hospitality with immersive experiences on their private islands. The ambitious plans to double the cruise fleet by 2030 and the distinctive business model that builds brand loyalty set Disney apart in the cruise industry.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in entertainment industry insights, joins Matt to dissect the Golden Globes. They discuss the disparities in treatment at the awards and the influence of streaming giants like Netflix. The duo also ponders the challenges of upcoming streaming mergers and the unpredictable landscape for sports broadcasting. With a look at the potential shifts in Hollywood shaped by political changes, they emphasize the evolving dynamics of the media industry and the unpredictable nature of awards season.

In this insightful conversation, Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter focusing on media and entertainment, teams up with Matt to hand out Townie Awards for Hollywood's highs and lows. They analyze winners and losers in the industry, from executive blunders to marketing misfires. Shaw candidly reflects on past misjudgments and discusses the surprising resurgence of Warner Bros. Discovery. The duo also highlights the influential roles of voices like Taylor Sheridan and Kendrick Lamar, showcasing the ever-evolving dynamics of fame and power in entertainment.

This week, Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter known for his keen insights into Hollywood, joins for the annual Townie Awards. They dissect the biggest wins and blunders of 2024, including the standout film 'Maria' and the surprising success of 'Emilia Perez.' The duo explores the entertainment industry's ups and downs, tackling major changes at Netflix and Paramount. They also dive into unexpected failures, PR missteps, and the evolving dynamics around star power and audience engagement. Get ready for a humorous yet critical take on this year’s Hollywood highs and lows!

Peter Jaysen, a seasoned independent producer, chats about his journey in creating the Bob Dylan biopic, ‘A Complete Unknown.’ He reveals the intricacies of securing Dylan’s music rights and the importance of authenticity in filmmaking. Jaysen discusses Timothée Chalamet's casting and Dylan's limited involvement. The conversation also touches on the challenges of depicting Dylan's complex lifestyle while managing product placements. Finally, they dive into box office predictions for the film’s holiday release amidst family-oriented competition.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter known for his expertise in Hollywood trends, shares insights from a survey of industry executives. They discuss the ongoing feud surrounding 'It Ends With Us' and the shifting dynamics of sports broadcasting, especially with Netflix's NFL debut on Christmas. Shaw highlights audience preferences between streaming services and speculates on UFC's upcoming rights negotiations. The impact of festive viewership on Netflix is also predicted, pointing to potential internet traffic spikes this holiday season.

Michael O’Leary, CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, reveals a bold $2.2 billion plan to revamp movie theaters into modern entertainment hubs. He discusses the shifting landscape of cinema post-pandemic, highlighting consumer loyalty and the competition with streaming giants. The conversation dives into evolving movie release dynamics, emphasizing the need for exclusive theatrical windows, and speculates on the impact of stars like Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt on upcoming blockbusters and streaming strategies.

Mark Roesler, founder of CMG Worldwide, sheds light on the booming industry of deceased celebrity rights and how AI is reshaping it. He reveals the immense value of these rights, illustrated by recent examples like James Earl Jones' voice in 'Mufasa: The Lion King' and a commercial featuring Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. The discussion dives into the legal complexities and ethical implications of resurrecting famous figures, emphasizing the necessity of permissions and the profound impact of technology on intellectual property.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media trends, joins to dissect Warner Bros. Discovery's strategic split between TV networks and their film/streaming units. He highlights its potential implications for the company's future in a competitive media landscape. The discussion also pivots to ABC News’ $15 million settlement with Donald Trump, examining Disney's vulnerabilities amidst political tensions. Lastly, the challenges of launching Venue Sports are explored, especially in light of legal hurdles affecting its market potential.

Matt welcomes the Entertainment Strategy Guy, an expert on streaming strategies and film performance. They analyze which TV shows crucially impacted streaming services in 2024, highlighting successes and disappointments in movie releases. The duo also discusses the evolving landscape of streaming sports viewership and the enduring appeal of crime dramas. To lighten the conversation, they indulge in the iconic Tom Cruise coconut bundt cake, weaving fun anecdotes into industry insights.