The Town with Matthew Belloni

Matthew Belloni chats with Rebecca Ford, Senior Correspondent at Vanity Fair and co-host of the Little Goldman podcast, about the quirkiest moments from the 2025 Emmy nominations. They humorously hand out awards like Biggest Winner and Most Embarrassing Nomination, while highlighting HBO's dominance and discussing Netflix's marketing strategies. The conversation dives into notable snubs, the inconsistencies in nominations, and the need for fresh contenders in a predictable landscape. They also predict potential winners for Best Comedy and Drama Series.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to discuss the impressive opening weekend of the new Superman film and its implications for a DC reboot. They analyze Marvel's recent struggles, particularly the future of the 'Fantastic Four,' as a benchmark for its cinematic universe revival. Shaw also dives into the shifting dynamics between Marvel and DC, studio leadership transitions, and how box office trends could shape the industry. Expect insights on the evolving landscape of superhero films and the fate of AMC Theatres!

Julia Boorstin, CNBC’s senior media and tech correspondent and author of 'When Women Lead,' joins to share insider insights from this year's billionaire gathering at Sun Valley. She discusses the excitement around potential mergers, the impact of AI on media creativity, and the NFL's global expansion plans. Julia also highlights leadership changes, including Linda Yaccarino's exit from Twitter, and wraps up with a fascinating look at a new comedy project featuring a legendary comedian. A captivating mix of industry buzz awaits!

Joe Chianese, SVP of Incentives at Entertainment Partners, dives deep into California's new tax bill aimed at revitalizing the film industry. He explores the expanded film and TV tax incentives, boosting credits from 20% to 25%, and compares California's benefits to those of other states. Joe highlights the shift in the application process and how this impacts independent filmmakers. Additionally, he discusses the landscape of production incentives and examines the potential return of California as a powerhouse in film, all while teasing box office predictions for the upcoming 'Superman' movie.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins to unpack the intense standoff between 'South Park' creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Paramount amidst the merger with Skydance Media. They discuss how this merger is causing significant delays in new episodes due to rights disputes. The conversation dives into the tensions between current and new management, the peculiar production model of 'South Park', and the broader implications of the Trump-Paramount deal on future media agreements.

In this discussion, Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media analyst and publisher of the Reliable Sources newsletter, unpacks the controversial $16 million settlement between Paramount and Donald Trump. He explores the timing of the deal amidst the Paramount-Skydance merger and speculates on potential bribery investigations. Stelter also highlights how this affects CBS's brand and the challenges of merging corporate interests with journalistic integrity during a politically charged era. The implications for both media relations and political narratives are profound.

Jason Blum, Founder and CEO of Blumhouse, discusses the disappointing debut of 'M3GAN 2.0' after its predecessor's success. He reflects on the challenges of the horror genre and emphasizes the importance of learning from failure in the film industry. Blum candidly shares insights about navigating production slumps and the unpredictability of audience tastes. He also compares successful horror films with current trends, while teasing a humorous take on the upcoming dinosaur movie, 'Jurassic World: Rebirth'.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg media and entertainment expert, joins the discussion on Apple's surprising success with its F1 film, garnering $55 million on opening weekend. They analyze the metrics for film success, contrasting it with the shortcomings of 'Megan 2.0'. Lucas shares insights into Apple’s cautious theatrical strategy and how it impacts their high-profile releases. Additionally, they explore Netflix viewing trends, particularly audience fascination with sensational documentaries, and ponder potential directors for the next James Bond film.

Join Steven Cahall, a savvy media analyst at Wells Fargo, as he dives into Netflix's intriguing potential to lure YouTube creators. They explore how this could reshape Hollywood and what it means for both platforms. Steven discusses the appeal for creators to make the jump and the unique content Netflix could produce. They also examine why Netflix hasn't done this yet and the shifting dynamics of viewer engagement between the two giants. Plus, catch Matt's box office predictions for the weekend!

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.