The Town with Matthew Belloni

Lucas Shaw, an entertainment reporter at Bloomberg, joins to dissect the highs and lows of Hollywood in a lively awards format. They hand out humorous titles like the Executive Fail of the Year and the Savviest PR Move Award, debating the most outrageous industry blunders and clever strategies. Notably, they analyze celebrity missteps and predict box office success for upcoming films, including 'Marty Supreme'. Expect sharp insights and plenty of laughs as they crown both talent and executives for the year.

Lucas Shaw, an entertainment reporter at Bloomberg, joins Matt Belloni to celebrate Hollywood's quirkiest moments of 2025 with the annual Townies. They hilariously dissect contenders for the Biggest Flex—from Warner Bros.' film turnaround to pop-star maneuvers. Controversies like the Snow White backlash steal the spotlight in Most Destructive Public Backlash. Shaw reveals the surprising success of Dancing with the Stars and they critique annoying media narratives. Tune in for a humorous rundown of Hollywood's highs and lows!

In this discussion, Gerry Cardinale, founder of RedBird Capital and expert in media buyouts, reveals why Paramount's $30 all-cash bid for Warner Bros. outshines Netflix's offer. He argues that Warner's narrative about the deal is misleading and emphasizes the cash advantage and cleaner regulatory outlook of their proposal. Cardinale also touches on the role of Middle Eastern investors, Larry Ellison's equity backing, and the potential negative impact of Netflix's bid on market competition. His insights provide a fascinating look into the dynamics of Hollywood acquisitions.

In this engaging discussion, Senator Elizabeth Warren, a leading antitrust advocate, dives into the intricacies of the Warner Bros. sale. She critiques the potential merger with Netflix, warning it could harm competition and content diversity. Warren also emphasizes the importance of regulating big mergers to protect workers and consumers. The conversation tackles political influence on such deals and the necessary legal maneuvers to challenge them. Plus, they explore the implications of tech consolidation on the future of Hollywood.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg journalist with expertise in media and tech, joins to discuss Disney's groundbreaking licensing deal with OpenAI. They analyze the strategic motivations behind Disney's investment and the pressure it places on Google. The duo debates the potential success of the Sora AI video generator without Disney's IP and explores the implications for user-generated content on Disney Plus. They also touch on the challenges of using AI in filmmaking and the creative pushback from the industry.

Tiffany Little Canfield, a veteran casting director known for her work on major films like 'Wicked' and 'This Is Us,' joins the conversation. She dives into the intricacies of casting iconic roles like Elphaba and Glinda, discussing the balance between star power and fresh talent. Tiffany shares fascinating anecdotes about memorable auditions, including Ariana Grande's passionate callbacks. She also highlights the challenges of casting in a fragmented media landscape and the excitement of the new Achievement in Casting Oscar that recognizes the craft.

Peter Supino, a savvy analyst from Wolfe Research, joins to dissect Paramount's hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. He compares the financial structures of both Paramount and Netflix's offers, revealing key differences. The conversation delves into synergies, regulatory hurdles, and even the political implications involving figures like Trump. Peter ultimately argues for Paramount's upper hand, citing favorable regulatory conditions. The chat wraps up with a fun prediction about the upcoming Golden Globes!

Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw, a media industry journalist, joins to dissect Netflix's massive acquisition of Warner Bros. They discuss why Netflix made this bold move, the implications for HBO Max, and the potential risks involved. Lucas highlights Paramount's blunders and the ongoing pressure on Netflix’s growth. They also tackle the future of theatrical releases and speculate on how this deal could shake up the film industry. The conversation is a deep dive into the shifting landscape of media and entertainment.

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Galloway, Dean of Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts and former Hollywood Reporter roundtable moderator, explores the evolving landscape of film education. He addresses whether film school remains valuable amidst rising tuition and industry changes. Galloway highlights the importance of undergraduate studies in critical thinking, the role of graduate programs in technical training, and the networking opportunities they provide. He also shares insights on career outcomes for different specializations.

Brian Fuhrer, a Nielsen executive specializing in audience measurement, joins to delve into the skyrocketing NFL ratings and the evolving landscape of sports viewership. He explains the innovative Big Data Plus panel, merging panel and device data for more accurate insights. The conversation touches on the significant role of streaming platforms like Peacock in attracting younger audiences, the importance of measuring out-of-home viewership, and how co-viewing metrics are becoming crucial for accurate ratings. It's a fascinating look at why sports ratings are booming!