The Town with Matthew Belloni

In this discussion, Matt is joined by Ray Subers, a senior VP of theatrical strategy at the National Research Group, known for his insights into movie star appeal. They reveal surprising trends in star rankings, highlighting Tom Holland's unexpected rise and Glen Powell's struggles in the industry. The conversation delves into why Gen Z adores Adam Sandler and The Rock, and Zendaya's ascent to near the top 10. They also explore the impact of nostalgia, awards campaigning, and recency bias on star power in today's theatrical landscape.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins to discuss Donald Trump's shocking proposal for tariffs on foreign films. They explore the potentially disastrous consequences for Hollywood, including fears from producers about job security and international co-productions. The conversation delves into the complexities of film categorization, federal tax incentives versus tariffs, and the competitive landscape of U.S. versus international filming locations. Will this lead to innovative solutions for the industry, or just chaos?

In a captivating conversation, Casey Bloys, CEO of HBO and Max, shares insights from his 20-year journey at the network. He discusses how HBO is navigating the competitive streaming landscape, balancing engagement and profitability. Bloys also reflects on missed opportunities with impactful shows and the logistics behind transporting talent. With a nod to the importance of location scouting and tax incentives, he anticipates Emmy season while celebrating the network's diverse programming, reminding us that creativity transcends awards.

Matt is joined by Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max content, to talk about the shifting strategies of the HBO and Max brand under the new leadership of David Zaslav and Warner Bros. Discovery, the challenges of being a “something for everybody” service, why they are no longer competing with Netflix, and why HBO is still the top choice for creatives (02:48). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for the Marvel film ‘Thunderbolts*’ (26:52). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ ⁠⁠click here⁠⁠. Email us your thoughts! ⁠⁠thetown@spotify.com⁠⁠ Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Casey Bloys Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss the latest twist in the saga of Paramount, '60 Minutes,' and Trump after the show's executive producer Bill Owens stepped down because he “felt he lost the independence that honest journalism requires.” Matt and Lucas look at how the '60 Minutes' drama complicates things for Paramount head Shari Redstone, who desperately wants the Paramount-Skydance merger to close, and what her options are as this endless saga continues (03:01). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about Taylor Sheridan’s future with Paramount and his relationship with Paramount executive Chris McCarthy (25:06).For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ ⁠click here⁠.Email us your thoughts! ⁠thetown@spotify.com⁠Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Lucas ShawProducers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Leitch, a renowned director and stunt coordinator known for 'Deadpool 2' and 'Bullet Train,' shares insights about the new Academy Award category for stunt design, debuting in 2028. He discusses how the category will be judged, the impact of CGI and AI on stunts, and why some stars still prefer doing their own stunt work. Leitch also highlights the historical importance of stunt performers and the evolving landscape of stunt design, offering a closer look at the artistry behind action sequences.

Rich Greenfield, a LightShed media analyst and longtime Netflix bull, joins to delve into Netflix's ambitious future. They discuss its current valuation of $450 billion and the challenges it faces in reaching 410 million subscribers. The conversation highlights Netflix's strategy shifts in content investment and the advertising sector. Key growth opportunities in gaming and user-generated content are examined, alongside the evolving competition in streaming. The talk wraps up with insight into the newly modified Oscar voting process and its implications for accountability in film.

Franklin Leonard, film executive and founder of the Black List, joins the discussion with Lucas Shaw. They delve into the surprising box office success of 'Sinners' and its profitability challenges. There's a heated debate on Ryan Coogler's studio deal and whether it signals a shift in Hollywood. The duo explores racial biases in media coverage and marketing struggles faced by Black films internationally, emphasizing the need for equitable investment and representation in the industry.

David Stassen, co-creator of Netflix’s ‘Running Point,’ brings over 15 years of experience to discuss the seismic shifts in TV comedy. He reveals how shorter seasons are reshaping writing and pitching in the streaming era. Stassen shares the challenges for comedy writers amid a changing job market and evolving definitions of success. He also touches on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of comedy projects, highlighting the importance of relationships and efficient production strategies. Plus, predictions for an exciting new film project keep the conversation lively!

In this engaging conversation, Michael Wolff, a seasoned journalist and author known for his incisive profiles, shares insights from his recent piece on David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery. They explore the challenges Zaslav faces in a rapidly evolving media landscape, from navigating traditional values while adapting to digital demands to the impact of consolidation on creativity. The duo also discusses the implications of high-profile legal disputes, shedding light on the changing role of media moguls in 2025.