The Town with Matthew Belloni

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg journalist specializing in film and media, shares insights into A24's strategic shift towards higher-budget films amid pressures for blockbuster hits. He and Matt Belloni analyze the disappointing box office of 'The Smashing Machine' starring Dwayne Johnson, discussing its hefty budget and underwhelming debut. They explore whether A24 can transition from indie roots to commercial success and the implications of evolving expectations in a competitive landscape, all while reflecting on the challenges of sustaining artistic integrity.

Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, dives into the implications of Sora 2, an AI video tool that risks infringing on performers' likeness rights. He discusses the urgency for Hollywood to address these challenges, including why studios have yet to take legal action against OpenAI. Duncan also touches on the controversial AI actress Tilly Norwood and outlines protective measures for performers against unauthorized use. The conversation emphasizes the crucial balance between innovation and safeguarding creative rights.

Geoff Shaevitz, a literary manager and former studio executive at Entertainment 360, joins to explore the revival of spec script sales in Hollywood. He discusses how recent movie successes have reignited interest in original screenplays, highlighting a shift away from packaged deals. Genres like horror and comedies are making a comeback as buyers seek fresh content. Geoff also reveals insights on generating bidding wars and how managers can strategize specs for various studios. The chat concludes with cautious optimism about the future of original films.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg entertainment reporter, dives into the weekend box office performance of 'One Battle After Another,' debating whether it’s a flop or a hit. He discusses Warner Bros.' sparse 2025 slate and the potential repercussions for studio chiefs amid a looming sale. Lucas also analyzes Trump's tariff threats on foreign films, exploring their unlikely impact. The conversation wraps up with exciting predictions about AI performers like Tilly Norwood and their uncertain future in Hollywood.

Scott Purdy, a media strategy leader at KPMG, joins to discuss a revealing study on Hollywood's staggering $210 billion content spend. They explore the significant shift towards user-generated content, sports rights, and performance-based payment models. Scott highlights how creators are emerging as vital pipelines for IP into studios, while emphasizing the importance of data in shaping content strategy. As Hollywood faces disruption, he advocates for innovation and strategic partnerships to drive growth and efficiency.

Eriq Gardner, a legal reporter from Puck, joins the discussion to dive into the complexities surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's return. They explore the limits of the FCC's power in the Kimmel-Disney dispute and dissect how much leverage affiliates actually hold. Eriq also examines the ramifications of Disney potentially withholding valuable content like sports, and predicts the likely strategic responses they might employ. Plus, insights on Apple's decision to pause The Savant add a layer of intrigue to the media landscape.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins the conversation to unpack the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel's reinstatement on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Shaw reveals how public pressure forced Disney's hand after their initial suspension of Kimmel. The duo dives into Michael Eisner's sharp criticism of Bob Iger and explores how these events impact Iger's legacy. They also discuss the potential ramifications for ABC affiliates and upcoming NFL ratings forecasts, making for an engaging and insightful dialogue.

Bill Carter, a veteran media journalist and late-night TV expert, joins to unravel the wild controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's suspension from his show. They dive into the FCC's surprising leverage over broadcast licenses and discuss the motivations behind affiliate groups siding with the FCC. Carter reveals Disney's tough position—balancing economic impacts and political pressures—while contemplating Kimmel's next steps. Should he apologize, fight back, or find a middle ground? Tune in for an engaging analysis of comedy's intersection with regulation and corporate strategy.

Jacqueline Coley, the Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes, joins to explain how the Tomatometer works. She breaks down the reasoning behind Rotten Tomatoes' binary grading system and discusses the rise in scores over the past decade. Jacqueline touches on the impact of modern film criticism and whether the scoring system favors certain movies. The conversation also delves into the challenges of maintaining integrity amidst industry pressures, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the world of movie ratings.

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.