Join James Andrew Miller, a renowned author and journalist specializing in Saturday Night Live, as he dives into the show's current season and its upcoming 50th anniversary. Explore how election seasons shape SNL's viewership and how budget cuts challenge its creative integrity. Hear about the pressures on cast members and the excitement of high-profile guests. Miller also reflects on the legacy of original cast members and the insightful documentary ‘Saturday Night,’ while sharing a fun box office prediction for 'Smile 2'!

Chris McGurk, CEO of Cineverse and a veteran of the film industry, discusses the explosive growth of indie horror films like 'Terrifier 3'. He shares marketing strategies that turn low-budget films into hits, including innovative tactics that build dedicated fanbases. The conversation touches on targeting Hispanic audiences and how AI is reshaping content discovery for independent filmmakers. McGurk also reveals insights on financing and the challenges indie studios face in a competitive market. Prepare for a thrilling dive into the indie horror phenomenon!

In this lively discussion, Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins Matt to dissect Hollywood's latest trends. They weigh the media career of Travis Kelce and delve into Jennifer Lopez's film strategy. The duo shares insights on the revival of DC Studios, explores the streaming landscape with platforms like Amazon Prime Video, and analyzes Lionsgate's struggles. With a unique stock market analogy, they highlight the shifting dynamics in celebrity culture and the impact of K-pop on entertainment.

Fergus Navaratnam-Blair, an author of an NRG study on male character evolution, joins to explore how Hollywood’s portrayal of masculinity is shifting. He discusses the changing role models for young men, highlighting their preference for superheroes and digital influencers over traditional icons. The conversation delves into the importance of creating relatable and emotionally vulnerable characters that resonate with today's audiences. Fergus also addresses the challenges of balancing traditional masculinity with modern expectations in storytelling.

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!

Dylan Byers, a Puck journalist specializing in the television industry, dives into the waning era of $20 million TV hosts. He discusses Hoda Kotb's departure from 'The Today Show' and how dwindling viewership is reshaping anchor salaries. Byers emphasizes the challenges anchors face in adapting to the shifting dynamics of news and sports broadcasting, especially with the rise of streaming platforms. The conversation also touches on the resilience of networks like Fox News amidst these changes.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg journalist specializing in the entertainment industry, joins the conversation to dissect the evolving payment structures for actors in Hollywood. They explore the shift from upfront buyouts to back-end profit participation, particularly in the streaming era. Topics include the complexities of performance-based pay, challenges with content ownership, and the impact of recent mergers on compensation models. The duo also reflects on predictions for movies and summer concert tours, adding a lighthearted touch to the mix.

Justine Bateman, a talented writer, director, and consultant involved in SAG-AFTRA negotiations, joins the discussion on the fascinating relationship between AI and the entertainment industry. They explore Lionsgate's partnership with Runway to enhance movie-making efficiency and Meta's controversial contracts with celebrities for AI voice usage. Bateman raises concerns about copyright and ownership in this evolving landscape, advocating for responsible practices while discussing her initiative, Credo 23, aimed at creating films without AI.

In this engaging conversation, Mark Duplass, an accomplished actor, writer, and producer in the indie TV realm, shares his insights on independently financing shows like 'Penelope' for Netflix. He highlights the stark differences between TV and film business models and advocates for more creatives to explore the indie path. The duo delves into the importance of creative control, audience engagement, and innovative marketing. They also touch on Netflix's transparency and the evolving landscape of Saturday Night Live, reflecting on its challenges and future.