The Town with Matthew Belloni

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, shares insights on upcoming changes to the Grammys, focusing on support for wildfire victims in LA. He discusses the strategic shift from CBS to ABC, aiming to connect with a younger audience. The conversation highlights the evolving music landscape, including TikTok's influence and the newfound power of independent artists. Mason also touches on the complexities of artistic recognition and how the Grammys are adapting to reflect diverse musical talent.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins to dive into the thrilling 2025 box office draft. They strategize which blockbuster films could be goldmines, tackling the challenges of sequels and audience expectations. The buzz around 'Wicked for Good' and the latest Tom Cruise installment highlights franchise popularity. They also express skepticism about Disney's new live-action films and debate underrated gems that may surprise audiences. It's a lively prediction game, full of movie insights and competitive banter!

Warner Bailey, the creative force behind the Assistants vs. Agents Instagram account, shares eye-opening insights from his extensive survey of Hollywood assistants. He discusses the evolving landscape of their careers post-pandemic, revealing shocking tales of bizarre tasks and ethical dilemmas. With humor, he emphasizes the financial struggles assistants face and the changing expectations regarding their treatment in the industry. The conversation also touches on an exciting initiative for recognizing these unsung heroes in Hollywood.

Amy Reisenbach, the president of CBS Entertainment with over 20 years at the network, discusses the resilience of broadcast television amidst the streaming boom. She highlights the successful hybrid model that blends broadcast and streaming, ensuring diverse audience engagement. Amy also explores how shows like 'Fire Country' and 'Ghosts' bridge generational gaps and adapt to shifting viewer preferences. Plus, she reflects on the NCIS phenomenon while uncovering the impact of rising sports rights on viewers and subscription services.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter focused on media and entertainment, dives into the impact of devastating fires on Hollywood and its workforce. He highlights how award events like the Oscars can channel funds for fire victims, emphasizing their importance in sustaining local talent. The discussion also covers long-term challenges for L.A.'s film industry, including potential production shifts and socio-economic disparities. Ultimately, Lucas reflects on the resilience of the community and the role of entertainment in the city's recovery efforts.

Robbie Whelan, a Wall Street Journal reporter and Disney expert, joins to explore the enchanting world of Disney Cruises. They discuss the growing popularity of these family-friendly vacations, especially after the pandemic. Whelan highlights Disney's unique approach of blending exceptional hospitality with immersive experiences on their private islands. The ambitious plans to double the cruise fleet by 2030 and the distinctive business model that builds brand loyalty set Disney apart in the cruise industry.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in entertainment industry insights, joins Matt to dissect the Golden Globes. They discuss the disparities in treatment at the awards and the influence of streaming giants like Netflix. The duo also ponders the challenges of upcoming streaming mergers and the unpredictable landscape for sports broadcasting. With a look at the potential shifts in Hollywood shaped by political changes, they emphasize the evolving dynamics of the media industry and the unpredictable nature of awards season.

In this insightful conversation, Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter focusing on media and entertainment, teams up with Matt to hand out Townie Awards for Hollywood's highs and lows. They analyze winners and losers in the industry, from executive blunders to marketing misfires. Shaw candidly reflects on past misjudgments and discusses the surprising resurgence of Warner Bros. Discovery. The duo also highlights the influential roles of voices like Taylor Sheridan and Kendrick Lamar, showcasing the ever-evolving dynamics of fame and power in entertainment.

This week, Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter known for his keen insights into Hollywood, joins for the annual Townie Awards. They dissect the biggest wins and blunders of 2024, including the standout film 'Maria' and the surprising success of 'Emilia Perez.' The duo explores the entertainment industry's ups and downs, tackling major changes at Netflix and Paramount. They also dive into unexpected failures, PR missteps, and the evolving dynamics around star power and audience engagement. Get ready for a humorous yet critical take on this year’s Hollywood highs and lows!

Peter Jaysen, a seasoned independent producer, chats about his journey in creating the Bob Dylan biopic, ‘A Complete Unknown.’ He reveals the intricacies of securing Dylan’s music rights and the importance of authenticity in filmmaking. Jaysen discusses Timothée Chalamet's casting and Dylan's limited involvement. The conversation also touches on the challenges of depicting Dylan's complex lifestyle while managing product placements. Finally, they dive into box office predictions for the film’s holiday release amidst family-oriented competition.