The Town with Matthew Belloni

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to react to last night's Academy Awards, what it was like inside the building, and list their under-the-radar winners and losers from Hollywood's biggest night (02:09). Then, Matt and Lucas are joined by NEON CEO Tom Quinn to discuss their big night winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, for the film ‘Anora’ (20:54). Tom talks about how they campaign their movies on such a small budget, how much a win impacts the film economically, and why indie films are succeeding more at the Oscars.For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.comHost: Matt BelloniGuest: Lucas ShawProducers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matthew Belloni speaks with Robert Newman, a Partner at William Morris Endeavor known for representing auteur filmmakers. They dive into the enduring impact of Academy Awards on filmmakers' careers, discussing how wins can significantly enhance project opportunities and industry recognition. Newman shares insights on the evolving relevance of the Oscars amidst changing viewer interest and suggests ways to improve the awards. The conversation also speculates on the ratings for the upcoming ceremony, highlighting the influence of streaming platforms.

Michael Lasker, a talent manager at Mosaic and an Oscar enthusiast, shares his insights on the excitement surrounding the 2025 Oscars. He dives into the hotly contested Best Picture race and discusses how recent controversies, particularly around 'Emilia Perez,' might influence outcomes. Lasker compares Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet's chances, while also analyzing potential surprises from Fernanda Torres and Jeremy Strong. The conversation uncovers trends in Oscar voting patterns, making predictions for Best Actor and Best International Film even more intriguing.

In this engaging discussion, Bloomberg reporter Lucas Shaw sheds light on the surprising deal where the Broccoli family hands over James Bond's creative control to Amazon. They explore the necessity of this move for Amazon and its implications for the franchise's future. Lucas highlights the tension between traditional oversight and corporate ownership as the Bond brand navigates this new path. They also draw intriguing parallels with Disney, considering lessons learned in franchise management. The conversation concludes with a fun take on the box office landscape.

Chris Rice, cofounder and co-CEO of Fifth Season and producer of Apple+’s ‘Severance,’ dives into the financial labyrinth of television production. He explains what happens when a show exceeds its budget and who bears the costs, revealing the impact of industry strikes and ambitious creative choices. Chris also contrasts independent studios with larger networks, discussing financing models and the dynamics of global distribution rights. He further highlights the unique 'cost plus' model used in ‘Severance,’ illustrating the delicate balance between creativity and budget management.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter with a keen focus on media and entertainment, joins the discussion to dissect the future of 'SNL' following Lorne Michaels' potential departure. They weigh the show's hefty costs against its cultural significance. Shaw also dives into the streaming landscape, analyzing which platforms are overvalued versus those offering real value based on viewership. The conversation wraps with a cheeky look at Kevin Costner's 'Horizon' and its place in the ever-shifting media scene.

Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, shares insights on the company's future content strategy. She discusses their flexible budget for diverse genres, including live sports like the NFL and potential ventures into WWE and UFC. The conversation also touches on the importance of data transparency in streaming and how it influences content promotion. Additionally, Bajaria emphasizes revenue-sharing models and their impact on quality filmmaking, highlighting Netflix's commitment to excellence and innovative collaborations in the industry.

Bela Bajaria, Netflix's Chief Content Officer, shares insights into the streaming giant's unique challenges and strategies. She dives into the 'Emilia Perez' scandal and its impact on talent vetting. The conversation covers Netflix's deals with filmmakers, including an IMAX collaboration for the upcoming 'Narnia' movie, highlighting the tension between theatrical and streaming releases. They also discuss how social media scrutiny affects film campaigns and why perceptions of Netflix often miss the mark, as it shapes a new era of content creation.

In a lively discussion, Terry Press, an award-winning entertainment marketing executive, dives into the chaos surrounding the Oscar-nominated film 'Emilia Pérez' and its star Karla Sofía Gascón's controversial tweets. She shares insights on how Netflix can recover the film's tarnished Oscar campaign by navigating the complexities of social media and public perception. The conversation also touches on the fragility of Oscar nominations, the emotional connections in campaigning, and predictions for 'Captain America: Brave New World'.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter, joins to unravel the tangled web of the Paramount Global sale to Skydance Media. They discuss unexpected hurdles, including a lawsuit tied to Donald Trump that complicates the deal. The conversation also highlights implications for future Hollywood mergers and the shifting dynamics amid regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, Shaw offers insights into the Oscar race, especially focusing on the buzz around the film Anora and what it could mean for this awards season.