The Town with Matthew Belloni

Rich Greenfield, an analyst and partner at LightShed Media, joins to discuss David Ellison's bold move to acquire Warner Bros. after buying Paramount. They consider the feasibility of such a merger and its implications for Hollywood’s ongoing consolidation. The conversation dives into the value of Warner Bros. to Ellison and explores potential future acquisitions. Later, they recap the 2025 Emmys, highlighting standout winners, unexpected surprises, and even the best after-party culinary delights.

Julia Alexander, a streaming video analyst at Puck, joins to dissect the 2025 Emmy Awards and viewer engagement. They reveal the surprising gap between critical acclaim and audience popularity, particularly with shows like The White Lotus and Abbott Elementary. Julia discusses how some Emmy nominees struggle to attract viewers despite their nominations and how release strategies impact audience retention. They also delve into the rise of anime, highlighting 'Demon Slayer' and its dedicated fan base driving box office success.

Matthew Belloni chats with Jim Rutenberg, a New York Times reporter who has followed the Murdoch family for over twenty years. They break down the recent resolution of the succession battle, with Lachlan Murdoch remaining at the helm and dramatic buyouts for his siblings. The discussion dives into the shifting family dynamics, the implications for Fox News under Lachlan's leadership, and the future direction of the media empire. Plus, Matthew shares his insights from the Toronto International Film Festival and Oscar predictions!

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to discuss the thrilling debut of YouTube's NFL coverage, which captivated 17 million viewers. The pair dives into the surprising box-office success of 'The Wizard of Oz' at The Sphere in Las Vegas and imagines its future as a cinematic venue. They also analyze John Malone's efforts to find a new home for Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighting David Ellison's potential role. A lively conversation around media mergers and evolving viewer engagement ensues!

Fergus Navaratnam-Blair, VP at National Research Group and author of a revealing study on Generation Alpha, shares fascinating insights into why this cohort prefers the big screen to home viewing. Gen Alpha loves immersive, longer films and has a surprising ability to put down their phones. They value social experiences in theaters, aiming to connect with friends. The conversation also dives into the most appealing film franchises and actors for these young audiences, reshaping expectations for the future of cinema.

Adam Aron, CEO and chairman of AMC Theaters, joins Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to tackle the paradox of cinema today. They discuss the challenges theaters face in the age of streaming, from advertising overload to trailer fatigue. Aron shares insights into AMC's innovative strategies, including their subscription model and enhancing customer experiences through IMAX and Dolby Cinema. They also explore how theaters can evolve and maintain relevance, especially in collaboration with film studios, while balancing nostalgia with modern consumer demands.

Scott Mendelson, a box office expert at Puck, joins to dissect the hits and misses of the summer box office. They explore why major films like 'Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning' underperformed, while an F1 film soared to $605 million globally. The duo debates the sustainability of franchises and the nuances of marketing strategies impacting box office success. They also touch on the challenges facing animated films and reflect on how studio decisions are shaping the future of beloved franchises.

Christine Vachon, a notable independent film producer behind hits like 'Boys Don't Cry,' joins the conversation to delve into the state of independent cinema. She shares insights about her latest project, 'Materialists,' and discusses the evolution of film festivals, highlighting Venice and Sundance as crucial venues for indie filmmakers. Vachon addresses financing challenges and the shift in audience engagement through streaming platforms, while reflecting on how innovation is vital for arthouse films in a competitive landscape.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to dive into Netflix’s surprising success with ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’ They discuss how it became a box office hit despite its earlier streaming release, exploring the movie's theatrical strategy and its implications for traditional Hollywood. Shaw analyzes the evolving landscape of film distribution, Netflix’s innovative marketing moves like a sing-along version, and the challenges theaters face today. The conversation wraps up with a playful look at potential cast changes in the upcoming season of SNL.

Stephen Lambert, a veteran television producer known for creating reality hits like The Traitors and Undercover Boss, chats about the evolution of reality TV. He shares insights on the crucial role of casting, explaining how personality dynamics can make or break a show. Lambert discusses the cultural differences between American and British formats and the growing demand for fresh, innovative concepts. He also highlights the art of crafting pitches in a risk-averse industry and the dramatic techniques that keep viewers engaged.