The Town with Matthew Belloni

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!

Lucas Shaw, an entertainment reporter at Bloomberg, joins to discuss Netflix's potential acquisition of Warner Bros. and its promise to continue theatrical releases. They delve into how this shift could alter Netflix's traditional model, which prioritized at-home viewing. The conversation also covers regulatory implications, potential impacts on talent relationships, and how various theatrical strategies might play out. Additionally, Lucas shares insights on the recent success of 'Zootopia 2' and the competitive landscape of the box office draft.

Chloé Zhao, an Oscar-winning director celebrated for her films like Nomadland and Eternals, shares insights about her latest project, Hamnet. She discusses how budget constraints shaped her unique visual style and reveals how personal experiences influenced the film's narrative. Zhao recounts valuable advice from Steven Spielberg that enhanced key scenes. She also expresses her willingness to tackle more big-budget projects and her ambitions in anime, aiming to connect Eastern and Western storytelling. Plus, a reflection on the memorable COVID Oscars night adds a personal touch.

James Cameron, the visionary director behind the Avatar franchise, shares his insights on the film industry’s evolution. He discusses the daunting costs of blockbuster productions and the impact of COVID and streaming on theatrical experiences. With frankness, he tackles why 3D technology never became mainstream. Cameron also dives into his relationship with Disney, the future of sequels, and his strong belief in the existence of extraterrestrial life. Plus, hear anecdotes about fellow filmmakers and the art of storytelling.

James Cameron, renowned filmmaker behind Titanic and Avatar, shares insights into his creative journey and technological innovations. He addresses misconceptions about Avatar's production and highlights the importance of performance capture in storytelling. Cameron warns about AI's existential risks and advocates for guilds to set standards in the industry. He also reflects on his evolution as a director and the challenges he faced in securing support for Avatar, emphasizing the need for human artistry in filmmaking.

Tom Freston, former CEO of Viacom and a key player in the rise of MTV, shares insights from his memoir and his experiences navigating the media landscape. He discusses how legacy companies like Viacom misjudged YouTube's potential, contributing to MTV's decline. Freston draws parallels between YouTube's disruption and the current AI boom. He suggests that for MTV to revive, it needs fresh digital curation and highlights the importance of preserving music heritage. Finally, he reflects on the challenges facing today’s media giants and the creative loss due to industry consolidation.

Jonathan Kanter, the former Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division, shares his insights on the impending Warner Bros. Discovery sale. He discusses the intricacies of antitrust laws and the challenges posed by big tech companies. Kanter emphasizes that mere consolidation may not be enough to compete with giants like Google. He raises concerns about government influence on media mergers and highlights the risks of monopsony harms for creators. The conversation dives into the potential ramifications for the media landscape by 2025.

Lucas Shaw, an entertainment reporter for Bloomberg, joins to dissect the troubling fall box office season. They explore the impact of shortened theatrical windows and the trend towards streaming. Shaw ranks issues affecting indie films, discussing whether cinematic quality or distribution strategies hold the blame. They ponder if the lack of big releases marks a new norm or a temporary blip. Finally, they touch on the effectiveness of press tours and make predictions for the Oscars following the premiere of Netflix's 'Jay Kelly'.