The Town with Matthew Belloni

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins to dissect the underwhelming reception of 'Joker: Folie à Deux' and its effects on Warner Bros. Discovery. They discuss Sony Pictures’ unconventional strategy of avoiding the streaming war while focusing on partnerships, including with Netflix. Recent leadership changes at Sony, including the new CEO, are also highlighted. Shaw shares insights on the evolving challenges in Hollywood and how Sony's reliance on existing franchises may affect its future.

In this insightful discussion, Kyle Buchanan, an acclaimed awards season writer for The New York Times, delves into the unpredictable 2024-25 Oscar race. He highlights the absence of clear frontrunners while exploring emerging contenders and intriguing narratives, including a unique film merging transgender themes with crime and music. The conversation also covers the competitive dynamics among actresses and how strategic releases and star power influence nominations. Prepare for a wild awards season filled with surprises!

In this conversation, journalist Dylan Byers from Puck dives into the shifting landscape of television news salaries. He discusses the financial pressures leading to the decline of high-value anchors and the challenges of retaining talent in a changing media environment. The conversation also touches on how networks are adapting to viewer preferences in the age of social media and streaming. Byers highlights the stark differences in value between news personalities and sports hosts, offering insights into the future of television news.

In this discussion, Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, dives into the evolving payment structures for Hollywood stars. He explores the shift from upfront buyouts to profit-sharing models and examines how these changes may affect both talent and studios. Lucas highlights the complexities of measuring viewer engagement as a basis for compensation, addressing the challenges of transparency in streaming platforms. He also announces results from the 2024 Concert Tour Draft, adding a fun twist to the conversation!

This week dives into the fascinating intersection of AI and the film industry. A new partnership between Lionsgate and an AI company aims to revamp how movies are made, raising questions about creativity and copyright. Meta's collaboration with celebrities for AI chatbots shines a light on voice contracts in the digital age. Additionally, predictions for the box office performance of 'Megalopolis' and 'The Wild Robot' spark curiosity about the future of entertainment.

Mark Duplass, a talented actor, writer, producer, and director, shares his journey of independently financing his Netflix show 'Penelope.' He discusses the stark differences between TV and film business models and emphasizes the growing popularity of indie films. Duplass reveals the unique challenges of creating independent TV while maintaining authenticity and creative control. The conversation touches on strategic marketing for Netflix success and the importance of early performance metrics. Matt wraps up with predictions for the upcoming SNL season premiere.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter and media analysis expert, joins to dive into Netflix's recent data release. They break down the viewership stats, revealing surprising trends like the prominence of British series and the absence of comedy among popular shows. The conversation critiques Netflix's transparency efforts and their implications for content strategy. They also touch on the evolving dynamics of children's programming and the unexpected success of low-profile hits. Insightful predictions about talent earnings and streaming strategies make this discussion a must-listen!

Sasha Weiss, the deputy editor at the New York Times, joins Oscar-winning filmmaker Ezra Edelman to dive into the contentious world of a nine-hour Prince documentary. They discuss the unexpected pushback from Prince's estates over its length, the challenge of authentically portraying the music icon's complex legacy, and the risks involved with artist narratives in today's streaming landscape. The conversation also touches on Netflix's role in this dispute and predictions on viewer engagement in the coming months.

In this engaging conversation, Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List, shares invaluable insights on the evolving landscape of screenwriting in Hollywood. He discusses the recent decline in studio support and how it impacts aspiring writers, while also contemplating the role of AI and funding cuts. Leonard emphasizes the need for nurturing new talent, urging for more opportunities in a competitive market. Plus, he touches on the importance of originality and bold storytelling in breaking through, offering hope and strategies for emerging voices.

Jen Statsky, co-creator of the acclaimed HBO show 'Hacks,' joins the conversation alongside other creators to share their ecstatic response to winning Outstanding Comedy Series. They discuss the surprises of the Emmy night, including the unexpected triumphs and challenges of the comedy genre. Insights into their creative process highlight the evolving landscape of television and the critical need for stronger support for comedy writers. The team also reflects on the unique marketing strategies that contributed to their show's success and the significance of collaboration.