The Town with Matthew Belloni

David Beaubaire, a seasoned producer and former studio executive, dives into the tumultuous world of movie development. He discusses the drastic changes since the early 2000s, emphasizing the shift towards franchise-focused productions and the rising costs of filmmaking. Beaubaire highlights the challenges of balancing creative integrity with financial demands in an era where independent films are reshaping industry standards. Plus, he shares insights on upcoming Emmy predictions, spotlighting frontrunners like 'Shogun' and 'The Bear'!

Seth Meyers, host of 'Late Night with Seth Meyers' and former 'SNL' cast member, joins the conversation to dissect the current landscape of late-night television. He shares insights on how hosts are adapting to digital trends and the rise of online celebrity interviews. Meyers discusses the upcoming 50th anniversary of 'SNL' and speculates on a potential successor to Lorne Michaels. He also gives his take on TIFF films and their chances for the People's Choice Award, blending humor with industry wisdom.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the entertainment industry, joins the discussion on Hollywood's evolving landscape. They dive into Disney's leadership uncertainties and the potential impact of the upcoming election on the industry. The conversation also touches on the viability of streaming services in a competitive climate and predictions for the Oscars amidst a lack of standout films. With skepticism about sequels like Joker and box office forecasts for Beetlejuice, the duo tackles key trends shaping entertainment's future.

Peter Kujawski, chairman of Focus Features, shares insights into the art of choosing the right film festival for a movie premiere. He breaks down the strategic factors filmmakers consider, discussing how specific festivals like TIFF, Venice, and Cannes can significantly alter a film's trajectory. Peter also reveals the competitive dynamics behind festival selections and which awards hold the most prestige. The conversation wraps up with a fun prediction about the box office potential for the upcoming 'Beetlejuice' sequel.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter with deep insights into media dynamics, joins for a riveting discussion on the Disney-DirecTV carriage dispute. They tackle the far-reaching impact of this conflict, particularly on sports fans missing key events like the U.S. Open. As the conversation unfolds, they explore shifting power dynamics in media negotiations and the role of subscriber habits in shaping content demands. Shaw also weighs in on Disney's sports leverage and hints at the future of controversial cinema related to Trump.

Steven Cahall, a media analyst specializing in media company dynamics, joins comedian Nikki Glaser to discuss the precarious situation of Warner Bros. Discovery amid dwindling stock and heavy debt. They explore the company's reliance on linear television, the fallout from losing NBA rights, and the lack of strategic direction hindering recovery efforts. Nikki wraps up by reflecting on her upcoming hosting gig for the Golden Globes and the challenges she faces in revitalizing the program’s viewership.

Scott Mendelson, a film critic renowned for his insights into box office performance, joins the discussion on summer blockbusters. They evaluate the surprising underperformance of 'The Fall Guy' amid a changing cinematic landscape. The conversation highlights trends like the rise of Premium Video on Demand and the struggles of original family films. Nostalgia plays a key role as they speculate on the anticipated release of 'Beetlejuice.' The shift in audience preferences and Disney's sequel-heavy strategy also receives sharp scrutiny.

William D. Cohan, a seasoned journalist and financial expert, joins billionaire Edgar Bronfman Jr., known for his vast media investments, to dive into the high-stakes battle for Paramount. They dissect the complexities of Bronfman’s late bid against David Ellison and unravel the corporate maneuvers shaping this drama. The conversation shifts to the surprise revival of 'Ted Lasso,' revealing insider insights on its much-anticipated fourth season and the challenges ahead for the beloved show.

Lesley Goldberg, the former TV editor of The Hollywood Reporter, joins to dissect the financial frenzy of costly showrunner deals during the peak TV era. They delve into staggering nine-figure contracts that yielded no new shows, analyzing which deals hit the mark and which fizzled out. The conversation includes a look at high-stakes agreements, such as the $250 million deal with Bad Robot, and how different release strategies impact viewership. Tune in for insights on navigating creative control and the dynamics of TV's competitive landscape!

Joe Chianese, SVP of Incentives at Entertainment Partners, dives into the landscape of film production, discussing how tax incentives are reshaping shooting locations. He reveals why California is losing its allure as a filming hub and compares incentives across global markets like Canada and the UK. The conversation also touches on the significant economic implications for local communities. Matt also predicts Travis Kelce's potential transition from athlete to actor, exploring the industry's expectations for new talent.