The Town with Matthew Belloni
The Ringer
Puck founding partner Matthew Belloni takes you inside Hollywood, using exclusive reporting and insight to explain the backstories on everything from Marvel movies to streaming wars. Multiple times each week, Matt will touch on what is getting made and why, who is winning and losing, and what people in show business are actually talking about.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 24, 2024 • 37min
The High Stakes of Broadcasting the Olympics
Matt discusses the business of broadcasting the Olympics with guest Mark Lazarus, including differences from the 2020 Olympics, streaming NFL games on Peacock, Al Michaels's AI broadcasting debut, and NBA rights. Matt also predicts the box office success of 'Deadpool & Wolverine'.
Jul 22, 2024 • 32min
Is Netflix or YouTube the King in Streaming?
Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw joins Matt to discuss Netflix's strong earnings and potential advertising struggles. They debate if the streaming battle will boil down to Netflix vs. YouTube. Matt predicts the 2027 location for the Sundance Film Festival.
6 snips
Jul 19, 2024 • 39min
Warner's M&A Options and an NBA Rights Scoop
Jessie Reif Ehrlich discusses Warner Bros. Discovery's challenges and potential changes needed. Bill Simmons shares insights on NBA rights deal with Amazon. Matt predicts 'Twisters' box office success. Exciting discussions on M&A options in the shifting media landscape.
Jul 17, 2024 • 33min
The 'Star Wars' Ratings Problem and What To Do Next
Jimmy Doyle, Luminate’s director of business development, joins Matt to discuss the 'Star Wars' franchise's state, lack of theatrical movies, and TV ratings trouble. They debate successful 'Star Wars' properties, the upcoming Mandalorian film, and if Disney should license to Netflix. Matt wraps up with Emmy predictions.
Jul 15, 2024 • 32min
Does Hollywood Need Deregulation?
Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw joins Matt to discuss deregulation in Hollywood, M&A possibilities, and the impact of the election results on media companies. They also check-in on the 2024 Box Office Draft, exploring potential collaborations and tech company partnerships in the entertainment industry.
Jul 11, 2024 • 32min
Betting on Theaters, Embracing Tech, and ‘Wicked’ With Director Jon M. Chu
Director Jon M. Chu discusses his Hollywood journey, betting on theaters with 'Crazy Rich Asians,' using AI in filmmaking, and upcoming film 'Wicked.' The podcast explores distribution strategy dilemmas, the impact of 'Crazy Rich Asians,' and the evolution of the film industry.
Jul 9, 2024 • 32min
Burning Questions About the Future of Paramount
Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw joins Matt to discuss the future of Paramount under new ownership, exploring asset management, movie strategies, and the potential impact of a young CEO. Matt also predicts the outcome of Alec Baldwin's upcoming trial in the 'Rust' case.
10 snips
Jul 8, 2024 • 39min
Skydance’s David Ellison on His Plans for Paramount
Skydance CEO David Ellison and RedBird Capital's Gerry Cardinale talk about the merger of Paramount Global with Skydance Media, future plans for Paramount and Paramount+, the theatrical business, and how tech will shape storytelling. Matt also shares a prediction about the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Jul 3, 2024 • 31min
The NFL's $15B Sunday Ticket Problem
Sports business journalist John Ourand joins Matt to discuss the multibillion-dollar NFL 'Sunday Ticket' lawsuit, potential $15 billion damages, impact on YouTube, and the sports media rights landscape. Matt ends with a box office prediction for 'Despicable Me 4'.
Jul 1, 2024 • 37min
The Biggest Over- and Underreactions of the First Half of 2024
Bloomberg journalist Lucas Shaw joins Matt to discuss the most over- and undercovered stories of the first half of 2024, including the horror movie genre, new Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery bundle Venu, the ScarJo OpenAI fight, Pat McAfee and Norby Williamson, UMG vs. TikTok, and more.
